A 90-year-old woman was assaulted on a Brooklyn sidewalk when a man threw a trash-filled baby crib at her, knocking her to the ground. The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. on Monday on Brighton Beach Avenue near Brighton 5th Street.
Surveillance footage shows the assailant running up to the woman, grabbing a discarded crib near a trash can, and hurling it at her. The victim fell as garbage scattered around her. The suspect then fled the scene. Several pedestrians were present, with some stopping to assist the woman.
The victim was transported to Coney Island Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has not made any arrests and has released a still image from the video, showing the suspect wearing a blue hoodie, in hopes of identifying him.
This unprovoked attack occurs amid a reported increase in assaults on New Yorkers aged 65 and older. According to NYPD data, assaults on individuals over 65 have increased by 14% compared to the previous year and have risen by 143% since 2018. The NYPD noted a significant 50% increase in recidivist attackers targeting the elderly this year, referring to offenders who reoffend within 30 days.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the assault to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips via the Crime Stoppers website or X account (@NYPDTips).