Shocking Update: Police Arrest Second Suspect in Assault on 81-Year-Old Woman Walking Dog!
In a shocking incident on the Upper West Side of New York City, a second suspect has been arrested for the assault of an 81-year-old woman.
This assault occurred while she was simply walking her dog in her neighborhood. The man arrested is Hansel Esparragoza, 37, who is now facing assault charges.
On September 13, 2024, two women, ages 77 and 81, were victims of separate assaults by different individuals on the Upper West Side.
The police reported that on that day, the 77-year-old woman was attacked at 27 West 72nd Street by a man named Anthony Melendez.
Melendez, who is also 37 years old and from Brooklyn, reportedly punched the woman in the eye before fleeing the scene on foot. Fortunately, the woman sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
In the case of the 81-year-old woman, she was walking her dog near 66th and Amsterdam Avenue when Esparragoza approached her.
Surveillance footage obtained by Fox 5 New York revealed that Esparragoza passed by the woman before turning around and unexpectedly punching her in the face.
This unprovoked attack shocked many in the community, highlighting concerns about the safety of elderly residents.
Esparragoza’s past has also come into focus following this incident. He was previously reported in a March 2023 story by SIlive.com, where he was allegedly involved in a disturbing incident at the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
During that event, he was accused of grabbing and kissing the hand of an 11-year-old girl, which was captured in a viral TikTok video.
This previous behavior has raised alarms about his actions and behavior in public spaces.
After the attack on the 81-year-old woman, Esparragoza was arrested. However, there are concerns as he is believed to be homeless, and he was released without bail following his previous arrest.
The community is now looking for answers and hoping for justice for the victims of these violent acts.
The attacks on elderly individuals have sparked discussions about safety and security in the city, especially for vulnerable populations like seniors. Many residents are calling for increased police presence and more measures to protect the community.
As the investigation continues, both victims and their families are seeking justice, hoping that these incidents will lead to stronger actions to safeguard all residents.
This recent string of assaults has left the Upper West Side community shaken as residents express their fear for their safety while going about their daily lives. With both suspects now in custody, community members are hopeful that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
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The police have urged anyone with information about these incidents or who may have witnessed the attacks to come forward and help with the investigation.