One employee who experienced a horrifying and unexpected assault at a deli in Washington Heights shared his account of the violent incident that left both him and his friend injured.
The incident took place at a deli on 161st Street on Thursday at around 11 p.m.
Surveillance video captured the random and unprovoked slashing incident.
A video captures a man wearing a hoodie intentionally starting an argument with an elderly man using a cane. The elderly man is 71 years old.
Jose Navarro, a dedicated deli employee, was the one who took immediate action.
During an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, Navarro provided additional details that were not captured in the video.
According to Navarro, the attacker also attempted to strike his face, but he managed to evade the blow. He successfully defended himself against a second strike by blocking it with his right arm, but unfortunately, the third strike landed on his left forearm, resulting in a cut.
According to Navarro, the attacker appeared to be mentally unstable.
According to the police, the suspect was seen wearing a green jacket layered over a gray hoodie. The suspect was also wearing white sneakers and carrying a cane.
Both victims declined medical assistance.
The suspect escaped on foot, heading westbound down 161st Street, according to the police.
He is estimated to be approximately 50 years old and weighs around 220 pounds.