Queens, New York — A man with an extensive criminal history is back in custody after police say he chased a 19-year-old woman into a Jewish school while carrying a hammer, sparking renewed debate over New York’s pretrial release laws. The suspect, who has more than 50 prior arrests, had been released just days earlier following an unrelated theft case in Manhattan.
Police Say Woman Ran Into School Seeking Safety
According to the NYPD, the incident happened around 10:50 a.m. Tuesday near Hoffman Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard in Elmhurst, Queens.
Investigators say Shaleek Brunson, 42, began following a 19-year-old woman whom he did not know. Fearing for her safety, the woman ran inside the Jewish Institute of Queens to escape.
Police allege Brunson followed her into the building while carrying a hammer, creating a frightening situation inside the school. A security guard confronted the suspect, leading to a struggle before officers arrived and took him into custody.
Child Knocked Down During Struggle
During the confrontation, police said an 8-year-old boy was knocked to the ground and struck his head.
Officials have not reported any life-threatening injuries, and authorities have not disclosed what prompted Brunson to allegedly target the woman.
A representative for Queens Shmira, a nonprofit public safety patrol, said investigators do not believe the incident was a hate crime, noting that the woman involved is not Jewish.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Suspect Had Been Released Days Earlier
The arrest came only days after Brunson appeared in court on an unrelated Manhattan shoplifting case.
According to prosecutors, he was arrested last Friday after allegedly attempting to steal approximately $1,300 worth of merchandise from Bergdorf Goodman.
He was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, then released during his arraignment under non-monetary conditions.
The charges filed in the Queens case—including assault, menacing, burglary, and criminal possession of a weapon—are also not currently bail-eligible under New York law.
At the time of reporting, Brunson remained hospitalized following his arrest, and his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court was still pending.
Long Criminal History Draws Renewed Attention
Law enforcement sources said Brunson has accumulated more than 50 prior arrests, with additional sealed cases that are not publicly available.
Court records show he was charged in July with petty larceny in Queens and referred to an alternative intervention program before being released.
He was also facing separate petty larceny and criminal possession of stolen property charges stemming from another Queens incident earlier this year.
Police have described Brunson as having extensive prior contact with the NYPD, while law enforcement sources said he also has a history of mental health-related episodes.
Officials have not indicated whether those prior cases are directly connected to Tuesday’s incident.
Local Leaders Praise Quick Response
Queens City Councilman Phil Wong, who represents the neighborhood, said he was relieved that the situation did not result in more serious injuries.
In a statement, Wong said he was praying for the injured child, the young woman who sought refuge, and everyone affected by the frightening incident.
He also thanked the school’s security personnel and officers from the 112th Precinct for responding quickly and bringing the situation under control before anyone else was harmed.
Police continue investigating the case, and additional court proceedings are expected once Brunson is released from the hospital.
What are your thoughts on repeat offenders being released before trial? Should states revisit their bail policies in cases involving lengthy criminal histories? Share your opinion in the comments below.
