NYPD Searching for Suspect in February 16, 2026 East Village Assault on 68-Year-Old Employee

Crazed Customer Strikes Elderly Worker in Face with Gallon of Water

By Staff Reporter 

Manhattan Voice 

February 20, 2026

NEW YORK, NY —  A crazed customer smashed an elderly worker’s face in when he struck him with a gallon of water, police said.

According to police, the incident occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., inside a grocery store located at 94 Avenue B in the East Village of Manhattan.

Authorities say the suspect was making a purchase when he suddenly became irate and began arguing with a 68-year-old male employee. During the dispute, the individual allegedly grabbed a gallon of water and struck the employee in the face in what investigators are describing as an assault on a 68-year-old store employee in Manhattan’s East Village.

The victim sustained pain, redness, and swelling but declined medical attention at the scene following the February 16, 2026 Avenue B store assault.

After the assault, the suspect exited the store and fled northbound on Avenue B on foot. Police are continuing their search for the individual in connection with the suspect who fled northbound on Avenue B after assault.

Police describe the suspect as a male who was last seen wearing a blue hat, black jacket, black sweatpants, black and white sneakers and pink headphones.

Investigators have released media of the individual and are urging anyone who recognizes him to come forward regarding the NYPD investigation into elderly assault inside East Village store.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips. 

All calls are confidential.