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NYPD Alerts Public to Rising Assaults on Seniors in New York City

crime on senior
Credit: Pix 11

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has raised an alarm over a disturbing trend: an uptick in violent assaults targeting senior citizens across the city. This surge in aggression towards the elderly has become a growing concern, particularly highlighted by recent incidents on the Upper West Side, prompting calls for heightened awareness and improved safety measures.

Recent Assaults Raise Concerns

In one harrowing event, 81-year-old Geurla Freeman was walking her dog on West 66th Street when an unsettling encounter quickly escalated into violence. A man, seemingly muttering to himself, initially passed by but then turned back and delivered a forceful punch that sent Freeman crashing against a building and onto the pavement. The attack was so severe that Freeman lost consciousness and later reported suffering from amnesia. “It was a very, very bad fall, and I have amnesia,” Freeman recounted, describing the profound impact of the incident on her life.

Just hours before Freeman’s assault, another disturbing attack occurred six blocks away on West 72nd Street. A 77-year-old woman was punched in the face by a different assailant, steps away from the bustling area of Central Park. The assault was caught on video, but the victim chose not to speak publicly about the ordeal.

November 2020 New York USA- Nypd police patrol car are patrolling parked near the curb

Community Response to the Violence

These incidents have left the local community on edge. Many seniors, like Merlann Taylor, a lifelong New Yorker nearing her 80th birthday, expressed increased anxiety about their vulnerability. Taylor herself became a victim recently when $1,200 was stolen from her during a bank visit. “I think you have to be very aware. I’m going to be 80, so I’m aware of my vulnerability,” Taylor shared, highlighting the need for seniors to be cautious.

The NYPD has noted a significant 14% increase in assaults against individuals over the age of 65 this year, with over 1,800 reported cases. Another case last Sunday involved an 88-year-old man who was brutally mugged and thrown to the ground by two individuals on scooters in Sunset Park. This string of violent acts has intensified the demand for increased police presence. “I am aware and worried,” said Judy Cohn, another senior resident. “I’d like to have more police around,” she added, voicing a common request for more robust security measures in neighborhoods frequented by seniors.

Despite the severity of these incidents, arrests have been elusive. While police believe they have identified Freeman’s assailant, no one has yet been taken into custody for any of the recent attacks.

New York: Police officer performing his duties on the streets of Manhattan. New York City Police Department (NYPD) is the largest municipal police force in the United States

A Call to Action

This surge in violence against seniors is not just a series of isolated incidents but a broader social issue that demands immediate attention. The NYPD is urging the public, especially senior citizens, to be more vigilant and is advocating for community support to safeguard vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, seniors like Freeman are trying to maintain a resilient outlook despite their experiences. “I was given a second lease on life—that’s how I feel,” Freeman stated, determined to live freely despite the risks. “Live your life and continue because you cannot predict—are you going to be a prisoner in your house?”

The NYPD’s warning is a stark reminder of the need for increased safety measures and community vigilance. As the department boosts its efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, the community is also called upon to support its elderly members through more watchful eyes and stronger advocacy for their protection. This situation underscores the importance of addressing urban safety and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of age, can feel secure in their environments.