Photos and Videos
More Photos and Videos
Man Charged in NYC Hammer Attack on Tourist
The assailant reportedly hit the victim in the head several times and screamed obscenities at him
Wednesday, Aug 1, 2012 | Updated 10:39 AM EDT
advertisement
A man has been charged with bashing a Spanish tourist in the head with a hammer in a park next to City Hall.
John Yoos is being held without bail after his arraignment Tuesday on attempted murder charges.
Yoos said nothing as a prosecutor described what she called "a completely random act of brutal violence on a total stranger."
Authorities say Hugo Alejandre was eating lunch on a bench in City Hall Park on Monday when the 43-year-old Yoos abruptly attacked him. Bystanders intervened.
Alejandre was treated at a hospital for a spinal fracture and deep cuts. He declined to comment as he left the Manhattan district attorney's office Tuesday.
Yoos' lawyer said an assault charge, rather than an attempted murder charge, would be more appropriate to the allegations.
Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC New York
Check Out
© 2013 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Portions by Broadcast Interactive Media.