A 19-year-old tourist from Australia was seriously injured after being stabbed inside a McDonald’s in Midtown Manhattan early Monday morning . The attack happened at the restaurant on Eighth Avenue near 35th Street, close to Penn Station.
The New York Post reported that he was charged with second-degree assault and was being held in custody pending an arraignment later Monday. Police arrested Mercedes at the scene. Mercedes was charged with assault. Police are continuing to investigate the stabbing.
The stabbing happened just after 2 am, as reported by The New York Post. The tourist was sitting inside the restaurant and eating when he got into a dispute with 25-year-old Juan Mercedes, according to police and law enforcement sources. He is 25 years old and is from Port Charlotte, Florida.
Because he does not feel it is a good time to be outside, wright said he avoids staying in the area late at night.
He said the situation can be concerning even during the evening.
Authorities are looking into the confrontation between the Australian tourist and Mercedes, including what happened before the stabbing.
The New York Post reported that words were exchanged between the two men, but sources said the attack was largely unprovoked. Eyewitness News also reported that detectives believe the stabbing was unprovoked. The victim was stabbed in the rib cage and back. The investigation into exactly what led to the confrontation is still underway.
Tourist in hospital
The incident has also raised concerns among regular customers who visit the McDonald’s late at night. Because of fights and arguments, some customers said they try to avoid the restaurant during late-night hours.
