Caught On Camera: Man Attacks Hell's Kitchen Deli Worker With Machete
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A deli worker in the Hell's Kitchen section of Manhattan was attacked by a man with a machete on Saturday. The scary moments were caught on camera.
The footage shows the assailant casually walking down Ninth Avenue near 48th Street with weapon in hand. No one seems to notice, until he actually uses it. He makes a bee line for the deli counter, cutting a worker right on the neck. He immediately falls to the floor in pain.
"Walks in, walks out. It's horrible," customer Ray Wasik told CBS2's Reena Roy on Sunday night.
Police have identified the alleged attacker as 57-year-old Rigoberto Reyes, saying the two men got into an argument beforehand at Liberty Bagel, Deli and Grocery at around 11 a.m. on Saturday.
"Things like this never usually happen in this store," customer Brian Lopez told Roy.
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The video shows the accused drop the massive blade outside as he makes a run for it. Loyal customers said they often see the suspect hanging around.
"He's one of those guys who hangs out in front of store, talks to everybody," Brian Lopez said. "I've never seen him argue with anybody."
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As for the victim, he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Fellow workers identified him as Sukhdev Singh, who is believed to be in his mid 30s.
"He's a great dude. Every day I always see him. He's always making me a sandwich in the morning. He's a great guy," customer Justin Brown said. "Always has a smile on his face."
"Very nice gentleman. He serves me before work when I get my breakfast and everything. I'm so glad he's all right," John Alexander added.
Police were able to track down Reyes and arrest him. He has been charged with assault, trespassing, and criminal possession of a weapon. Workers at the deli said Singh is out of the hospital and recovering at home.