Manhattan, New York — A 49-year-old man is facing criminal charges after police say he randomly attacked a mother and her baby near Bryant Park, allegedly striking the infant with a cellphone during a disturbing daytime incident.
According to the New York Police Department, the suspect, identified as Marc Okon, was arrested at the scene and charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Authorities allege the attack was completely unprovoked.
Police also said the suspect has an extensive arrest history spanning several years.
Police Say Baby Was Hit While Sitting in Stroller
Investigators said the incident happened Saturday morning near Sixth Avenue and West 41st Street as a 39-year-old mother was pushing her young daughter in a stroller.
According to police, Okon allegedly approached the pair and suddenly threw a cellphone, striking the baby girl in the arm while she remained in her stroller.
Authorities said the suspect then picked up the phone and allegedly threw it a second time toward the child’s mother, but she was not struck.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, and officers quickly took the suspect into custody. Officials have not released additional information about the child’s condition, but police said the baby sustained a minor injury.
Suspect Has Lengthy Arrest History, Police Say
According to the NYPD, Okon has been arrested 25 times since 2018. Police said his previous arrests include allegations involving:
- Forcible touching
- Public lewdness
- Menacing
- Grand larceny
- Criminal mischief
- Petit larceny
Authorities also said he was arrested several times in 2025, including on a public lewdness case before the latest incident. An arrest history reflects prior arrests or charges and does not by itself establish guilt for those earlier cases.
Facing Assault and Child Endangerment Charges
Following Saturday’s incident, police charged Okon with assault and child endangerment.
As of Sunday, authorities said he was awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. Court records detailing his plea or legal representation were not immediately available.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and prosecutors are expected to present the case in court.
Incident Follows Other Recent Random Attacks
The alleged assault comes amid heightened public concern over several recent random attacks reported across New York City. Authorities continue to urge anyone who witnesses violent or suspicious behavior to contact law enforcement immediately.
Okon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, and the charges against him remain allegations until resolved through the legal process.
What are your thoughts on this disturbing incident? Do you think more should be done to prevent random attacks in busy public areas? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
