A man with over 50 prior arrests chased a woman into a Jewish school in Queens, New York, on Tuesday morning, resulting in a scuffle that left an 8-year-old boy with a minor head injury. The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. at the Jewish Institute of Queens in Elmhurst.
The 42-year-old suspect reportedly made eye contact with a 19-year-old woman and began following her. The woman sought refuge inside the school, but the suspect attempted to follow her. A school security guard intervened, and during the struggle, the young boy was accidentally bumped by the guard, hitting his head on a fence. He was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital with a non-life-threatening head injury.
The suspect was apprehended at the scene, and a hammer was recovered. Investigators are examining whether the incident could be considered a hate crime, though initial reports indicate the suspect made no anti-Semitic statements. Representatives from Queens Shmira, a public safety patrol, stated that they confirmed the incident was not a hate crime and described the suspect as an "emotionally disturbed individual."
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect has a history of 51 previous arrests in New York City, including an incident on Friday where he allegedly stole $1,300 from Bergdorf Goodman. He was reportedly released without bail in that case. His prior arrests also include charges for petit larceny and possession of stolen property. Sources also indicated the suspect has a history of mental health-related incidents and a gang affiliation.
A school representative declined to comment. Council Member Phil Wong, who represents the area, issued a statement expressing concern for the injured child and the woman, and gratitude for the swift actions of the school's security personnel and the police.