A 19-year-old Australian tourist was stabbed in the ribs and back early Monday at a McDonald's restaurant near Penn Station, an incident that has drawn renewed attention to the establishment's notorious reputation. The attack, which police sources described as largely unprovoked, occurred around 2 a.m. inside the 24-hour McDonald's located at 490 Eighth Avenue. The victim was transported to Bellevue Hospital and listed in stable condition.
Locals and patrons have long referred to the eatery as the "Murder McDonald's," citing its open-door policy, 24/7 operation, and proximity to a methadone clinic. They describe it as a hangout for drug dealers, addicts, and other individuals involved in illicit activities, particularly after dark.
"It's like a f—ing nightmare," one patron, who identified himself as Toaster, told the New York Post. "It's like a little slice of hell because you can get whatever you need here."
Juan Mercedes, 25, of Florida, was arrested later Monday and charged with second-degree assault in connection with the stabbing. He was awaiting arraignment.
The restaurant's reputation was highlighted in a 2015 New York Times article, and regulars say the environment remains challenging. A security guard stationed outside the restaurant on Monday stated that while violence typically occurs among homeless individuals outside, the inside of the establishment can also be volatile.
"The attacker 'was screaming and ran to [the victim] and stabbed him twice,'" the guard recounted, relaying information from a co-worker who was on duty during the incident. "He was just talking gibberish."
The area patrolled by the NYPD Midtown South precinct has seen a decrease in major crimes, with the exception of homicides, which rose from two to three in the same period compared to the previous year. Despite the earlier stabbing, the restaurant was busy with patrons by early afternoon Monday, though locals anticipate the atmosphere will change again as night falls.
Concerns about drug dealing and potential robberies persist around the eatery, located near West 35th Street and Penn Station. "The drug people always be here," said Khan Raze, who works at a nearby gift shop. "They're always selling and drinking. Late night it's dangerous, especially 34th Street. It's always people sitting and the drug mafia."