A man identified as Daquan Armstead, 31, has been arraigned on assault charges after allegedly assaulting eight women in a misogynistic crime spree. Armstead reportedly told the police that he targeted women because “You have to check women sometimes.” Manhattan prosecutors revealed this information during his arraignment, where he was ordered to be held on $20,000 bail.
According to authorities, Armstead was apprehended shortly after midnight and charged with third-degree assault and harassment for the unprovoked attacks on women that occurred this year. One of the incidents took place on April 17, when a 27-year-old administrator at New York University was punched in the face while walking through Washington Square Park around 10:30 a.m.
It was further revealed in court that Armstead had two outstanding arrest warrants after failing to appear in court for previous attacks in 2021. Despite being arrested in February this year, he allegedly went on to attack seven more women after a Manhattan judge released him without bail.
During the court proceedings, Armstead’s defense attorney, Katherine Bajuk, stated that her client suffers from mental health issues. She emphasized that he had not been receiving the necessary mental health treatment, suggesting that his incarceration would not lead to positive outcomes for anyone involved.
The violent spree began on February 12 when Armstead allegedly punched a 30-year-old woman on Elizabeth Street without warning. He then fled the scene. On March 24, he targeted another woman, hitting her in the back of the head on Delancey Street around 2 a.m. The following day, Armstead allegedly punched a 36-year-old woman in the back as she walked at Chrystie and Rivington streets around 10:15 a.m.
Further incidents occurred on April 2, when Armstead allegedly assaulted a 38-year-old woman who had no cash to give him after he asked for $1. He punched her in the back of the head. On April 5, he attacked two women separately on Delancey Street, a 25-year-old who was punched on the right side of her head and a 44-year-old who was punched in the face just five minutes later. The last reported attack before the incident involving the NYU administrator occurred on Stanton Street, where Armstead allegedly punched a 24-year-old woman after she refused to give him $1.
Records indicate that Armstead’s prior arrests date back to a 2021 misdemeanor assault case. During his arraignment, he was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
1 Response
This is absolutely sickening and infuriating! How can someone be so vile and heartless to target innocent women in such a misogynistic crime spree? It’s beyond comprehension. These women deserve justice and the perpetrator must be held accountable for his despicable actions. It’s a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go in combating misogyny and ensuring the safety of women in our society. My heart goes out to the victims and their families who have undoubtedly been traumatized by this horrific ordeal