The man who allegedly randomly slashed the face of a woman as she walked to work early Wednesday morning has been arrested by police.
The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old Kari Bazemore of the Bronx, according to authorities.
RELATED:Woman’s face slashed by stranger in Chelsea Surveillance footage showing the attack reportedly helped officers in their investigation when a man recognized Bazemore late Wednesday, called police and followed the suspect.
“As the man followed the suspect, he came upon two NYPD mounted officers and told them what was happening,” police said. The mounted officers called for assistance, and Bazemore was arrested by Midtown North Precinct officers,CBSreported. The victim of the attack, 24-year-old Amanda Morris, was treated for her face wound at Bellevue Hospital.
CBS reported that Morris wrote a public Facebook note addressing the incident, which said:
“Today was a difficult day that I never thought I would have to go through, I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and put in an unfortunate situation, but I would like to do what I can now to raise awareness. I was attacked by a stranger on my way to work early this morning. I was slashed on my face with an unidentifiable object (thought to be a razor / box cutter),” she wrote. “It was unprovoked and I did not have any association with this man prior to the incident, we have never seen each other before. The NYPD was able to find street footage of the man but we are unable to make out his face at this time.” Morris went on to write that she could tell the man was threatening when she first saw him, but she didn’t act on her instincts.
“I want everyone to know that I did have a bad feeling about this man as soon as I saw him. His walk was irregular and he appeared under the influence by his body language and stance. Always, always trust your gut instincts. Even in a safer neighborhood such as Chelsea, you should always stay alert and aware of your surroundings,” she wrote. “Had I crossed the street, this could have been avoided; never feel that you have to stay in an uncomfortable situation out of politeness/fear/etc.” Bazemore has been charged with felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
Matt Lee is a Web producer for Metro New York. He writes about almost everything and anything. Talk to him (or yell at him) on Twitter so he doesn’t feel lonely@mattlee2669.
