WOODSIDE, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of Kareem Phillips, a 31-year-old Woodside resident, on charges of attempted murder and assault following a series of knife attacks from his wheelchair. These incidents, which took place on March 16, left an elderly woman among others with serious injuries.
Phillips faces an 11-count indictment, including two counts of attempted murder in the second degree, one count of assault in the first degree, three counts of attempted assault in the first degree, three counts of assault in the second degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He could serve up to 65 years in prison if convicted.
The attacks occurred in quick succession around midday on March 16. Phillips first stabbed a 56-year-old man in the back as the man was exiting his car. Afterward, he slashed a 46-year-old female jogger on her arm. His final assault involved attacking a 69-year-old woman, causing her to fall and stabbing her in the face and stomach, critically injuring her. Upon their arrival, police found Phillips with two kitchen knives, one of which he threw at the officers.
DA Katz commended the NYPD’s quick response, which prevented further harm. Phillips is scheduled to return to court on April 25, as the community reels from these unprovoked attacks.