New York, US: A 13-year-old boy was brutally stabbed twice in a shocking broad daylight attack after allegedly throwing a rock at a passing car in Midtown Manhattan, police and law enforcement sources said on Tuesday. The unsettling incident, which unfolded on a busy city street, has left residents shaken and authorities intensifying their search for the suspects involved.
According to the New York City Police Department, the confrontation began around 3:30 p.m. Monday when the boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, reportedly hurled a rock at a black sedan near West 45th Street and Ninth Avenue. The rock allegedly hit the car, prompting the two occupants to stop, get out, and confront him.
What started as a brief argument quickly escalated into violence. Police say one of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed the teen twice — once in the torso and once in the arm — before both suspects fled the scene on foot.
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Witnesses describe chaos as attack unfolded
Several bystanders who witnessed the attack told investigators they initially thought it was a minor argument until the situation turned bloody.
“It happened so fast — one second they were yelling, and the next thing, the boy was on the ground,” said a nearby food vendor who asked not to be identified. “There was screaming, people calling 911, and those guys just ran off down the block.”
Emergency medical personnel quickly responded to the scene and rushed the victim to Bellevue Hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Detectives recovered a small pocketknife believed to have been used in the assault, though they are still working to determine if it was dropped by one of the attackers or someone else during the commotion.
NYPD releases suspect descriptions
Police have released surveillance footage from nearby buildings showing two male suspects believed to be involved in the stabbing. Both men appear to be in their late teens or early twenties. One was seen wearing a gray hoodie and dark jeans, while the other wore a red jacket and black sweatpants.
Investigators are analyzing additional security camera footage from surrounding areas as they trace the suspects’ route before and after the attack. Officers are also canvassing area residents and business owners for eyewitness accounts or smartphone videos that might shed light on the moments leading up to the stabbing.
“Anytime a child is violently attacked in broad daylight, it becomes an immediate priority,” an NYPD spokesperson said. “We are asking anyone with information to come forward so we can locate these individuals and bring them to justice.”
Officials urge calm as investigation continues
City officials and community advocates have condemned the violence and urged residents to avoid retaliatory behavior. Council Member Erik Bottcher, who represents the district, called the attack “deeply disturbing,” emphasizing the need for de-escalation and youth outreach.
“This kind of senseless violence cannot become a normal part of life in our neighborhoods,” Bottcher said in a statement. “We need to invest in programs that teach young people how to handle conflict before it turns into tragedy.”
Local anti-violence organizations, including Street Corner Resources and the Harlem Crisis Management System, have offered support to the boy’s family and said they plan to hold a peace rally later this week to highlight the dangers of escalating altercations.
Community reactions and renewed safety concerns
The assault comes amid growing concerns over youth-involved violence and spontaneous street altercations in New York City. Residents say they’ve noticed a rise in fights and group confrontations, particularly among teenagers, during after-school hours.
“I’ve lived here for 20 years, and it feels like tempers flare faster these days,” said Ingrid Morales, a Midtown resident. “It’s heartbreaking to hear a 13-year-old got stabbed — over something that might’ve started as a stupid dare or prank.”
Parents and community leaders are calling for increased patrols near school zones and after-hours teen hangouts. Some have urged the city to expand its Safe Passage initiative, designed to keep students safe during commutes.
Police seeking motive, reviewing footage
While investigators believe the stabbing was a spontaneous act following the rock-throwing, they are not ruling out other motives. Detectives are trying to determine whether the suspects knew the boy beforehand or if the attack was purely retaliatory.
Forensic specialists have sent the recovered knife for lab analysis, while officers work with juvenile justice officials to interview the victim once his condition improves.
NYPD sources confirmed that the vehicle involved in the incident was registered in New Jersey, and investigators are tracking its ownership to locate the suspects.
Safety reminders for residents
Police reiterated common safety precautions for residents, particularly young people, advising them to avoid provoking motorists, recording license plates if involved in disputes instead of engaging directly, and immediately seeking adult help or contacting authorities.
Officials also reminded drivers to stay calm and call 911 if their vehicles are struck by objects or involved in confrontations to prevent road rage or retaliatory violence.
Case still developing
As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been made, though investigators say they have “strong leads.” The 13-year-old remains under observation at Bellevue Hospital and is expected to recover fully. His family has declined to speak publicly, requesting privacy as the investigation continues.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the Midtown stabbing to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline.
FAQ
Who was the victim?
A 13-year-old boy; his identity has not been disclosed due to his age.
Where did the stabbing happen?
Near West 45th Street and Ninth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
What triggered the attack?
Authorities say the boy allegedly threw a rock at a car, prompting the occupants to confront him, leading to the stabbing.
Are the suspects in custody?
As of now, police are still searching for the two male suspects captured on surveillance footage.
Is the boy expected to recover?
Yes, he is in stable condition and expected to recover according to hospital officials.
