Police investigate multiple stabbings near Bushwick Puerto Rican Day Parade
All five victims were taken to nearby hospitals and are expected to survive. Police said two knives were recovered at the scene.
More Stories
Police are investigating a string of stabbings that occurred during and after the Knickerbocker Avenue Puerto Rican Day Parade in Bushwick on Sunday.
Authorities said six people were injured in incidents along and around the parade route. Around 5:30 p.m., two 15-year-old boys were stabbed in the back, while two 14-year-old boys suffered stab wounds to the arm. A 21-year-old man was also slashed on his hands, according to police.
All five victims were taken to nearby hospitals and are expected to survive. Police said two knives were recovered at the scene.
Video from the area shows several injured teens running into a nearby deli for help. The store owner, who declined to be identified, said the group asked for napkins to stop the bleeding.
The owners of nearby businesses along Knickerbocker Avenue say they were glad to see the large crowds, but are frustrated that the parade has seen multiple teen stabbings two years in a row.
“It’s no good — these kids are getting hurt. It upsets me a lot,” said MiniMax store owner Raymond Cohen. “But with these crowds, you see the fights.”
Local leaders also condemned the violence.
“Violence is never the answer,” said Assembly Member Maritza Davila. “This is a tight-knit and proud community. We just want this parade to be successful and a lot of work goes into planning this with the precinct and businesses.”
Police said in a separate incident around 4:40 p.m., a 17-year-old boy was slashed in the face while in a crosswalk at Myrtle Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue, as the parade was still underway. His injuries were also described as non-life-threatening.
Parade organizers said attendance exceeded expectations this year, even with an increased police presence. They attributed the larger turnout in part to appearances by NBA players Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson.
The investigation into the stabbings is ongoing. No arrests have been made.
