Lifelong New Yorker Fights Back Against Assault, Frustrated by Justice System
A lifelong New Yorker says she is ready to leave the city after she was assaulted on the Upper West Side, but her alleged attacker was released back onto the streets of her neighborhood — despite a nearly 40-year-old rap sheet.
The Incident
The 55-year-old woman, who asked to remain anonymous, entered a Dunkin’ shop on West 72nd Street at around 10 a.m. on November 6 to get a cup of coffee. Seconds later, she was confronted by a homeless man, known to frequent the outside of the location, who began ranting and raving at her.
The incident was caught on the storefront’s security camera, which shows a man furiously waving a cane before appearing to strike the woman, sending her tumbling into the wall and falling to the floor. She was left wounded and stunned as the suspect stormed away.
The Aftermath
The victim, who hit her head against the wall and was bleeding, was taken to the emergency room. She has been left shaken and frustrated by the incident, and is now considering leaving the city.
"I’m worried nothing is going to happen," she said. "The other thing I’m very upset about is that they’re charging him with a misdemeanor."
The Suspect’s Criminal Past
The suspect, 60-year-old Charles Rogers, has an extensive criminal record, with at least 39 arrests dating back to 1987. He was arrested in 2018 for criminal possession of a controlled substance — crack cocaine. In 2015, he was arrested twice for two separate assaults and again for another assault in 2014.
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Rogers was arrested by police days after the incident and slapped with assault and menacing charges. However, he was released back onto the streets, awaiting trial. He was scheduled to appear in court in late November for the Dunkin’ Donuts attack but did not appear, leaving a warrant to be issued for his arrest. He remains a free man pending trial.
Conclusion
The victim and her husband are now considering leaving the city, frustrated by the justice system and concerned for her safety. The incident highlights the ongoing issues with crime and the legal system in New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: The victim was confronted by a homeless man in a Dunkin’ shop on West 72nd Street, who began ranting and raving at her. He then struck her with a cane, sending her tumbling into the wall and falling to the floor.
Q: What is the suspect’s criminal record?
A: Charles Rogers has an extensive criminal record, with at least 39 arrests dating back to 1987. He has been arrested for various crimes, including assault, robbery, and possession of controlled substances.
Q: What happened to the suspect after his arrest?
A: Rogers was arrested by police days after the incident and slapped with assault and menacing charges. He was released back onto the streets, awaiting trial.
Q: What is the victim’s current status?
A: The victim is considering leaving the city, frustrated by the justice system and concerned for her safety.
