MIDTOWN, Manhattan — A 49-year-old man has been arrested after police say he assaulted a mother and her infant daughter in a stroller at Bryant Park on Saturday morning, prompting charges that include assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. near 41st Street and Sixth Avenue, where a 39-year-old woman was walking with her baby daughter in a stroller. According to the New York Police Department, the suspect, who was unknown to the victims, allegedly approached them before launching the unprovoked attack.
Suspect Allegedly Targeted Infant With Cell Phone
Police said the man allegedly threw a cellphone at the infant, striking the child in the arm while she was sitting in her stroller.
Authorities said he then allegedly threw the phone toward the child’s mother but missed her. The motive behind the incident has not been disclosed, and investigators have not indicated whether there was any interaction between the suspect and the victims before the attack.
The incident unfolded in the busy Midtown park, which is typically filled with visitors, tourists and local residents during weekend mornings.
Mother and Baby Declined Medical Treatment
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, but officials said both the mother and her infant daughter refused medical attention.
Police did not report any serious injuries resulting from the attack. Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether additional evidence, including surveillance footage from the area, may assist the case.
Suspect Arrested at the Scene
Officers quickly took the suspect into custody following the incident.
Authorities later identified him as Marc Okon, 49. He has been charged with assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless endangerment.
Police have not released further information about a possible motive, and it remains unclear whether the suspect has any prior connection to the victims.
“The victims did not know the man who approached them,” police said, describing the encounter as an apparent random incident.
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives gather additional evidence and review witness statements.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured video near Bryant Park around the time of the attack to contact investigators.
The charges against Marc Okon are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Should security measures be increased in busy public parks to help prevent random attacks? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
