NEW YORK, NY – A seemingly random attack left a tourist in Manhattan with a frightening tale after he was stabbed while exiting a gift shop in Times Square. Located at 8th Avenue and 43rd Street, this area of Midtown Manhattan is typically safe and highly patrolled. This gruesome attack took place unprovoked in broad daylight on Saturday around 6 p.m., according to authorities.
CCTV footage revealed a man seated in a walker in front of the gift shop moments before the attack took place. From a bystander, Anwar Yahia’s account, the assailant appeared to be a normal customer who had just purchased a pack of cigarettes.
In an unexpected turn, the man swung a large knife, stabbing the exiting tourist. “He sat down on the chair as if nothing happened, even as everyone continued walking close by him,” Yahia said, recounting the disturbing ordeal.
The stunned victim managed to walk away from the scene, looking visibly confused. Responding officers reported the victim to the hospital to treat a chest wound.
Police identified the attacker as 61-year-old Cyril Destin, who was arrested and charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Destin, who has been arrested over a dozen times, resides in a nearby building that provides supportive housing for previously homeless individuals.