Watch CBS News

NYPD: Suspect In Box Cutter Attacks Near Union Square Charged

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A suspect wanted in connection with a violent crime spree in Union Square was charged Friday, police said.

Derrick McLeod, 24, was taken into custody Thursday and charged the following day with multiple counts of assault, police told CBS2. Police said he has 30 previous arrests and is on probation until next January.

In the latest arrest, McLeod was accused of punching or slashing five people than Manhattan, 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported.

The spree began around 1:20 a.m. Wednesday. That's when the suspect walked up to a 35-year-old man aboard a northbound No. 4 train at the Broadway and Lafayette Street station, police said.

NYPD: Suspect In Box Cutter Attacks Near Union Square Charged

The suspect had a box cutter in his hand and punched the victim in the face with the blade, cutting him, police said.

"McLeod tells his victim, 'Don't get on the train with me,' and then comes over to him, and with his right hand, slashes him in the face," said Deputy NYPD Chief William Aubry. "He causes a severe laceration."

They both got off the train at Union Square and 14th Street and as the suspect was fleeing the station, he slapped a 20-year-old woman, police said.

Union Square slashing suspect
(credit: NYPD)
Suspect Wanted In Slashing Spree Near Union Square
A man wanted for slashing several people with a box cutter near Union Square. (credit: NYPD)

The suspect then slashed a 46-year-old man standing near a supermarket in the face after he refusing to give him $2, police said.

The suspect then crossed 14th Street and asked a 59-year-old man waiting for the M14 bus for a dollar. When the man refused, the suspect slashed him in the face before fleeing, police said.

All of the victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital Center in stable condition.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.