A 22-year-old New York City man was charged Tuesday with brutally beating a 17-year-old boy with a broom in Times Square in February.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictment of Michael Colome, of Queens, on charges of second-degree gang assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
He also faces two counts of second-degree assault.
Last month, New York City police released surveillance footage and photos showing a 17-year-old immigrant being stabbed multiple times after a brawl involving dozens of people.
NYPD releases surveillance footage of stabbing of 17-year-old immigrant in Times Square
Michael Colome appears in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in New York City, New York. Colome, 22, is being held on $75,000 bail on suspicion of involvement in the Times Square gang violence. (John M. Mantel, FOX News Digital)
Six suspects, including Colome, were arrested in connection with the incident.
On February 22, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a group of more than 10 people began assaulting a 17-year-old near West 42nd Street and 7th Avenue.
Bragg’s office said the group repeatedly kicked, punched and stomped the boy on the body and head before Colome approached him wearing a mask and carrying a wooden broom.
Teen stabbed during Times Square brawl involving immigrants: report
On February 24, 2024, an unidentified group approached a teenage victim in New York City’s Times Square and a verbal altercation began that escalated into a physical altercation. The victim was assaulted during an argument and suffered a stab wound to the back. (NYPD Crime Stoppers)
Bragg’s office said Colome then struck the boy several times in the body with a broomstick, and when the boy tried to run away, Colome and another group chased him, and a second group chased him down. They are said to have prevented further advance and joined the attack.
According to court documents leading up to the indictment, Colome caught up with the 17-year-old boy and continued to attack him, causing Colome to punch him in the back and the broom handle breaking in two.
7.2 million people illegally entered the US under Biden, more than the population of 36 states
Michael Colome appears in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in New York City, New York. (John M. Mantel, FOX News Digital)
Colome allegedly continued to assault the boy, hitting him multiple times.
At some point, another person allegedly stabbed the boy in the back with a knife, seriously injuring his lungs.
Bragg’s office said Colome had half a broomstick and a kitchen knife in his possession when he was arrested at the scene.
“As alleged, Michael Colome brutally attacked a teenage boy on a busy Times Square street,” Bragg said. “We allege that he struck the boy so hard with a broomstick that the repeated blows ultimately caused it to snap in two. Our thoughts are with the victim as he continues to recover from his injuries, and we continue to pray for him. I pray for a speedy recovery.”
Times Square has seen several violent crimes involving immigrants in recent weeks, including the assault of two New York City police officers.
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Several immigrants have been charged in connection with an incident last month in which they allegedly kicked and punched a police officer who was directed to move along 42nd Street.
Many of them were initially released without bail after their arrest, prompting harsh criticism of Mr. Bragg.
Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.
