3 slashed and 1 pepper-sprayed and bitten overnight in Times Square

Chaos erupted in Times Square when three unrelated incidents happened overnight. Three people were slashed and another pepper-sprayed and bitten. The attacks occurred in the streets and subways, causing everyone to be on high alert.

The last attack happened just before 4 in the morning. A man was slashed while waiting for the 7 train at Times Square. The 26-year-old victim had his arm cut by someone he claims had confronted him before, according to police. The victim showed police a photo of the attacker, and they quickly identified and apprehended Michael Hernandez, 25, from Brooklyn. Hernandez was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-decree assault. Police found a knife in his pocket during their search.

Around 1 AM, two women got into an altercation at Bryant Park. Sara Flores, 19, approached Jennifer Tompkins, 30, saying a group had just attacked her. Tompkins told Flores to back off, or she'd be sprayed, but Flores persisted. It turned into fight that led Tompkins to spray and bite Flores while Flores stabbed Tompkins. Both women were arrested with second degree charges of assault and menacing.

Earlier at around 11:30 PM on the southbound A, C, and E platforms, a male in his thirties was cut in the stomach following a disagreement on the train platform. He was quickly taken to Bellevue and is anticipated to make a full recovery. Authorities are currently looking into the issue, with no individuals taken into custody yet.

Mayor Eric Adams recently praised Times Square, saying, "Any time you don't believe the city's back, just go hit Times Square and you see just the people walking, just enjoying being in our city," during a morning briefing.

Crime in the terms of felony assaults is up 13% this year in the Midtown South Precinct. However, overall felony crime in the precinct has decreased.

The recent spate of violence has sparked mixed reactions from locals and tourists. Thomas Anderson, a visitor from Vermont, expressed nervousness about crime statistics before his first trip to the city.

"The problem is that if people don't have options, they commit crimes," he told The New York Post.

Sherri, a commuter from Suffolk County, attributed the rise in crime to the legalization of marijuana and inadequate mental health support. She emphasized the need for more assistance to address these issues.

However, not all visitors share these concerns. Michael Hargwood and his father Warren, both tourists, believe that crime is not as prevalent as reported, especially on the subway. Michael noted that incidents seem to come in waves, with periods of heightened attention followed by relative calm.

These attacks have caused people to discuss subway safety and the overall safety of New York City.