QUEENS, NY – Police are searching for a suspect who slashed an 18-year-old man during a violent confrontation inside a Queens shopping center late Saturday afternoon, according to the NYPD.
The assault happened around 4:50 p.m. on January 31 inside 90-15 Queens Boulevard, a busy commercial location near the Queens Center Mall. Investigators say the suspect and victim became involved in a verbal dispute that quickly escalated. During the altercation, the attacker pulled a knife and slashed the victim across the face and hand, leaving him with serious lacerations before fleeing the scene.
The injured teen was treated at a nearby hospital and is expected to recover. Police have not released a detailed description of the suspect but are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
Crime Stoppers offers confidential tip line
The NYPD Crime Stoppers unit has released an alert asking the public for assistance identifying the suspect. Anyone with information can call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), submit a tip in Spanish at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), or visit crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. Tips can also be sent through X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips.
Key points:
- Teen slashed in face and hand during argument inside Queens Boulevard location
- Suspect fled after displaying knife; victim hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries
- NYPD Crime Stoppers seeking tips from public to identify attacker
Police increasing visibility in the area
Following the assault, local patrols were stepped up around Queens Center Mall and adjacent businesses as investigators review surveillance footage from multiple nearby cameras. Police sources say the knife attack appears to have been an isolated dispute rather than a random assault.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. All calls and messages remain confidential.