New York, USA – A man with a history of mental illness and previous assault charges is now under investigation for allegedly punching a woman in Brooklyn, breaking her jaw and knocking out several teeth. The suspect, Franz Jeudy, 33, was arrested after attacking Dulche Pichardo, a 57-year-old school bus aide, as she was walking home in Crown Heights. Despite the severity of the attack, Jeudy was released on supervised release after facing non-bail-eligible misdemeanor charges.
Jeudy’s rap sheet includes prior arrests for similar sucker-punch assaults, including one on a law enforcement officer and another on a security guard. In July 2018, he assaulted a Department of Homeless Services officer, leaving the officer with injuries. Another similar incident in January 2019 involved Jeudy punching a security guard at a medical center, resulting in cuts to the guard’s lips.
Both misdemeanor assault charges were later dismissed in August 2019 after Jeudy was deemed unfit to stand trial due to his apparent history of schizophrenia. Following these incidents, he was referred to the NYPD’s crisis intervention team, consisting of cops and mental health professionals, for assistance.
Pichardo, the latest victim of Jeudy’s alleged attacks, expressed fear and demanded increased measures against such crimes in the city. She highlighted the danger women face due to unprovoked attacks like the one she experienced. The assaults on women walking in public have sparked alarm, with reports of similar incidents occurring in different parts of the city.
In response to the violent attack on Pichardo, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is considering upgrading Jeudy’s assault charge to a felony. The DA’s office condemned the attack as a horrific act of violence and emphasized the seriousness of the incident. The case has raised concerns about public safety and the need for stricter measures to prevent such assaults in the future.
As investigations continue, authorities are exploring all possible charges against Jeudy, including potential felony assault charges. The incident has reignited conversations about safety and security in public spaces, particularly for vulnerable individuals like Pichardo. The impact of such unprovoked assaults on victims and the community at large underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and promoting public safety initiatives.