A man was stabbed multiple times after a “heckling incident went awry” near a busy Manhattan bar on Saturday afternoon, police and officials said.
Police say the violent incident happened around 12:30 p.m. at 502 West 51st Street in Hell’s Kitchen, when the victim was stabbed in the abdomen, shoulder and fingers with an “unidentified object.”
Police officials said the victim was stabbed while trying to defend a friend who was “heckling someone” near the outdoor seating at Dolly Varden eatery.
The victim was transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
The restaurant’s outdoor area is set inside a replica train car.
Anna Koch, a dental assistant, was walking home from work when she was asked to roll up the crime scene tape.
“There’s a lot of crime,” she said. “I live in New York City, so it doesn’t surprise me. That’s why I carry pepper spray with me at all times. It’s illegal in New York City, but I don’t care.”
