Prosecutors say a knife-wielding man attacked two victims on Broadway in Astoria, leaving a woman with a deep facial laceration.
Queens, NY – A Woodside man has been charged with multiple violent felony counts after prosecutors say he slashed two people with a blade during a chaotic attack outside a fish market in Astoria Monday afternoon.
Antonio Quinones, 36, was arraigned on charges including two counts of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, attempted second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Key Points
• Antonio Quinones, 36, is accused of slashing two victims during a violent incident on Broadway in Astoria
• A 29-year-old woman suffered a deep facial laceration in the attack
• The defendant was quickly arrested by NYPD officers and faces up to 25 years in prison
Disturbance inside deli escalated outside
According to prosecutors, the violence began around 4:20 p.m. inside the Broadway Deli & Grill in Astoria when Quinones allegedly started arguing with another patron.
The dispute spilled outside when the defendant left the store and kicked a scooter belonging to the patron, which was parked near a neighboring fish market on Broadway.
The two men continued arguing before Quinones allegedly pulled out a sharp blade and swung it several times at the 54-year-old victim. One of the strikes pierced the man’s jacket in both the body and sleeve area before the victim backed away.
Woman slashed across the face
Moments later, prosecutors say Quinones turned his attention to a second victim — a 29-year-old woman — and slashed her across the face with the blade, causing a deep laceration.
The defendant then fled the scene.
Responding NYPD officers located and apprehended Quinones a short time later.
Queens Criminal Court Judge Lana Schlesigner set bail at $150,000 cash and ordered Quinones to return to court Friday. If convicted on the top charges, he faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the defendant allegedly went on a violent rampage outside local businesses before police quickly brought the situation under control.