A disturbing crime spree unfolded in Manhattan, where a deranged individual named Daquan Armstead, 31, terrorized eight women with unprovoked assaults. The motive behind these heinous acts was allegedly a misogynistic belief that women “need to be checked,” as Armstead reportedly told police.
Prosecutors presented this revelation during Armstead’s arraignment on Wednesday, where he was charged with multiple counts of assault. The judge set his bail at $20,000. Armstead’s prior criminal record includes a misdemeanor assault case from 2021.
According to authorities, Armstead’s violent rampage commenced on February 12th with an attack on a 30-year-old woman on Elizabeth Street. He continued to target unsuspecting victims in various locations throughout the city, striking them with punches to the head and back. One of the attacks occurred near New York University, where a 27-year-old administrator was slugged while walking through Washington Square Park.
Despite having two outstanding arrest warrants, Armstead was released without bail by a Manhattan judge after his initial arrest in February. Incredibly, he proceeded to assault seven more women before he was finally apprehended.
In court, Armstead’s defense attorney, Katherine Bajuk, argued that her client suffers from mental health issues and has been neglected by the system. She expressed concern that incarceration would only worsen his condition and hinder his access to much-needed services.
Assistant District Attorney Grace Zamarin presented a different narrative, arguing that Armstead’s actions were deliberate, misogynistic, and deserving of serious consequences. The court ordered Armstead to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
The community remains shaken by these senseless attacks, and advocates for women’s safety have expressed outrage over the suspect’s alleged motive. They demand increased vigilance and support for victims of gender-based violence.
