Transit police said on Sunday, April 14, that the man who was being sought for an unprovoked assault on a 9-year-old Bronx girl in the Grand Central Terminal dining concourse on Saturday morning, has been arrested.

 

Police said the incident took place on Saturday, April 13, at 11.49 a.m. and the investigation revealed that the victim, a Bronx resident, was standing near her mother in the food hall, when the perpetrator approached her and without warning, punched the girl in the face, causing dizziness and pain.

 

They said nearby MTA police officers responded and rendered aid to the victim who was transported to NYU Langone – Tisch Hospital for treatment. Police said the perpetrator, who they said is known to the MTA PD, fled to parts unknown. They said his name is Jean Carlos Zarzuela, 30, and said he 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighs 150 pounds.

 

On Sunday, MTA police reported that at around 10.20 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, the MTA police arrested Zarzuela and placed him in custody. They said he has been charged with two counts of felony assault, with additional charges pending.

The NY Daily News reported on Sunday, that Zarzuela had allegedly been sought for another similar assault in the days leading up to the girl being punched.

 

Norwood News has made inquiries with the NYPD and the MTA about the mental health status of Zarzuela, as well as whether or not he is domiciled or undomiciled, and will update this story with any additional information we receive.

 

In March, a number of women in Manhattan had reported being assaulted / punched in the face by an unidentified male assailant. It is unknown if Zarzuela is the person who was being sought for those assaults. Norwood News has made inquiries with the NYPD about this also.

 

On March 27, the City Council’s women’s caucus said, in part, “We are deeply disturbed & concerned about widespread reports of attacks against women in NYC that have been confirmed by the NYPD. We’re calling on the NYPD for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into these incidents with transparent updates to the public.”

The caucus’s full statement can be read further below. City Council Member Amanda Farías (C.D.18), who is also the majority leader of the City Council, added, “Where are the men calling this out?”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson had also given her reaction to the series of Manhattan assaults, saying, “I agree Colleagues. Disgusting and so outrageous to hear that women are being attacked in our City. Unacceptable. I add my voice calling for an immediate and thorough investigation and working together to ensure that we do everything to protect all women in our City.”

 

Zarzuela is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.