A man with more than 50 previous arrests, Shaleek Brunson, 42, has been charged with assault, menacing, burglary, and weapons possession for allegedly chasing a 19-year-old woman into the Jewish Institute of Queens on Tuesday. The incident occurred when Brunson, described as wielding a hammer, pursued the woman, who sought refuge inside the religious school in Elmhurst.
During the encounter, Brunson reportedly scuffled with a security guard. An 8-year-old boy was also knocked to the ground and hit his head amid the commotion, according to police. The motive for Brunson following the woman has not been disclosed. Representatives from Queens Shmira, a public safety patrol, confirmed that the incident was not considered a hate crime.
Brunson's prior arrests, which total over 50, have frequently resulted in his release without bail due to New York's bail reform laws. His latest arrest comes shortly after he was apprehended on Friday in Manhattan for allegedly stealing over $1,300 worth of merchandise from Bergdorf Goodman. He was charged with grand larceny and subsequently released on non-monetary conditions at his arraignment on Sunday.
Even the new charges filed against Brunson may not be bail-eligible under current state statutes, potentially allowing him to be released again. Brunson has had extensive interactions with the NYPD, with many of his previous arrests occurring in Queens. In July, he was charged with petty larceny for an incident that led to him being referred to an alternative intervention program, also without bail.
Brunson was hospitalized following his arrest, and his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court was pending as of Wednesday. Online court records indicate he was also facing charges for petty larceny and possession of stolen property from an April incident in Queens. Law enforcement sources stated that Brunson has an additional two dozen arrests that have been sealed under separate proceedings.