Disturbing video that the NYPD released Monday night shows an armed perpetrator brawling with an Apple store security guard in Chelsea moments before stabbing him last week.
Police said the fracas erupted at the high-tech shop at 401 West 14th St. at about 6:20 p.m. on Oct. 8, when the 37-year-old security guard got into an argument with the suspect over wearing a mask.
The perpetrator, shown on video wearing a ski mask atop his head, quickly went on the attack, smacking the security guard in the face before fleeing the location.
But within moments, law enforcement sources reported, the assailant returned to the store, engaged a 25-year-old female Apple employee and then punched her in the face.
Cops said the security guard spotted the attack and then re-engaged the suspect. The video police released on Monday shows the perpetrator and guard struggling in the doorway of the Apple store, moments before the attacker slashed and stabbed the security guard with the knife.
Following the attack, police reported, the suspect fled the shop and was seen running into the nearby 14th Street/8th Avenue subway station.
Officers from the 10th Precinct responded to the incident. The security guard suffered a forehead slash wound, a stab wound to his left arm and three stab wounds to his back; EMS brought him to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.
The female Apple employee refused medical attention for facial pain and swelling, authorities said.
Anyone with information regarding the attack or the suspect’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
