A man who allegedly stabbed an Australian teenager eating in McDonald’s while on vacation in New York City pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.
Juan Mercedes, 25, was indicted on attempted murder, assault, attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon for the attack on August 17.
Appearing in court on Thursday in an orange jumpsuit with mitts around his hands, Mercedes’s lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf.
Prosecutors claimed that Mercedes walked up behind the Australian teen as he ate with his friends at a McDonald’s on Eighth Ave near Penn Station shortly after 2am.
Mercedes was allegedly ‘unprovoked’ when he stabbed the tourist in his torso. The teen suffered a collapsed lung and needed stitches.
As the group attempted to run away, Mercedes allegedly chased after the victim’s friend and attempted to swing the knife at him but missed, prosecutors said.
Mercedes walked out of the fast-food restaurant and was still holding the knife when officers approached him nearby, police said.
He was arrested shortly after by responding officers who ordered Mercedes to drop the knife.
Juan Mercedes, 25, was indicted on attempted murder, assault, attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon for the attack
Prosecutors claimed that Mercedes walked up behind the Australian teen as he ate with his friends at a McDonald’s on Eighth Ave near Penn Station shortly after 2am
Appearing in court on Thursday in an orange jumpsuit with mitts around his hands, Mercedes’s lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf
The Australian teen tourist, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital and remains significantly injured, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
‘New York City welcomes visitors from around the world, and those visitors deserve to feel safe while enjoying our city,’ District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.
‘As alleged, Juan Mercedes attacked two young tourists who were spending time together, senselessly stabbing a teenager in one of Manhattan’s busiest and most visited neighborhoods. I wish the teenager – who continues to suffer from his injuries – a thorough recovery.’
Mercedes’s next court hearing is scheduled for December 3.
Regular customers previously told ABC7 that they avoid the Manhattan McDonald’s late at night.
‘There’s always fighting over here. There’s always arguing. You know, sometimes even in the daytime,’ said customer Tony Wright.
‘I don’t stay out here that late because every time around in the evening, at night, this is not the time for any one of us to be out here.’
The victim also told the outlet over the phone at the time that he was recovering.
