NEW YORK, NY – A man has been apprehended after allegedly striking a 9-year-old girl without provocation at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
The suspect, 30-year-old Jean Carlos Zarzuela, reportedly approached the young girl and her mother in the terminal’s dining area around noon on Saturday. Witnesses say Zarzuela struck the child in the face and then fled the scene.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police officers were quick to respond, providing immediate assistance to the distressed child. The girl, who complained of dizziness and pain, was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Zarzuela, a known individual to the MTA police, was actively sought after the incident. Public assistance was requested in the search for Zarzuela, who was eventually apprehended Saturday evening and charged with assault.
Zarzuela’s arrest was captured on camera by a local news crew. Additional charges may be pending, authorities have indicated.
The incident comes amidst a disturbing trend of unprovoked attacks on females in New York City, which have been gaining attention on social media platforms such as TikTok. Just last month, a Brooklyn man was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting a woman at random.