D.A. Bragg: Man Indicted For Attacking East Village Restaurant Worker, Slashing Pedestrian At Astor Place Plaza

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of STEVEN JOHNSON, 35, for assaulting a restaurant employee in the East Village and slashing a man at the Astor Place Plaza in June 2024. JOHNSON is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, and one count of assault in the second degree. [1]

"As alleged, Steven Johnson attacked a restaurant employee just one day before slashing a pedestrian who was sitting in a plaza," said District Attorney Bragg. "My thoughts are with the victims as they heal from their extensive injuries. Those who harm and threaten the safety of New Yorkers will be held accountable."

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on June 5, 2024, at approximately 12:45 p.m. at 34 St. Mark's Place, JOHNSON was laying in front of and partially blocking the doorway of a restaurant entrance. The restaurant employee recognized JOHNSON from a similar prior encounter, asked him to leave and called 911. While the restaurant employee was on the phone with dispatchers, JOHNSON approached him from behind and struck him in the head with a metal bike chain, causing significant bleeding from a laceration that required stitches at Bellevue Hospital.

The next day, on June 6, 2024, JOHNSON was removed from the Union Square subway station after sitting in the middle of the platform and blocking pedestrian traffic. Minutes later, at approximately 5:15 p.m., JOHNSON walked behind a man who was seated at a table in the Astor Place pedestrian plaza and slashed him with a sharp object from his right ear to his left shoulder.

JOHNSON fled to the subway station at East 14^th Street and First Avenue, while bystanders rendered aid to the victim, who was rushed to Bellevue Hospital. The victim underwent surgery and is facing permanent scarring.

On June 8, at approximately 5:23 p.m., JOHNSON was apprehended at the subway station on East 86th Street and Lexington Ave wearing the same distinct clothing.

Assistant D.A. Sarah Marquez (Trial Bureau 70) is handling the prosecution of this case with Assistant D.A. Valeriia Golubchik (Trial Bureau 70) under the supervision of Assistant D.A. David Hammer (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detectives Kevin Dwyer, Vladislav Abramov and Danielle Venuto of the 9th Precinct Detective Squad, and Officers Leudy Rodriguezrivas and Zamonii Ward of the 34th Precinct.

Defendant Information:

STEVEN JOHNSON

Charged:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Assault in the First degree, a class B felony, two counts
• Assault in the second degree, a class D felony, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

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