Woman slashed in face by knife-wielding, female assailant in midtown Manhattan

The New York City Police Department is searching for information on a woman who slashed the face of a 65-year-old woman with a large knife before fleeing on foot in Midtown Friday evening. 

According to police, the incident took place on 8th Avenue close to 38th Street. The attacker walked up to the victim and slashed her unprovoked, leaving a laceration under her left eye. 

After the incident, ABC 7 reported that the attacker ran north. She has been described as being light-skinned, 5'1", medium build, medium-length blonde hair, and around 30 to 40 years old. 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been criticized for being soft on crime, which has gotten so pernicious in New York City that he said he fears for his family's safety when they ride the subway. 

In July, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of New York City claimed Bragg was "on the side of criminals, not us" after an officer was charged by the DA for allegedly punching a man while placing him under arrest. "when you call 911 for that police officer to protect you, that police officer will be arrested and be indicted," PBA President Patrick Hendry said at the time. 

According to City Data, there were 2,530 crime complaints in New York City during the week of August 21, and 505 of them were for felony assault. In the year to date, there has been a total of 82,309 crime complaints as well as a 5.3 percent increase in felony assaults from the same time period last year, for a total of 18,260 instances. 

A poll conducted by Siena College in July found that 41 percent of New Yorkers are more concerned than ever about safety, and 70 percent said they are "very" or "somewhat" concerned about being a potential victim of a crime. 

Police are asking for any information to DM @NYPDTips on X or call 800-577-TIPS.