A busy afternoon in Central Park turned violent Tuesday when a dispute between two food vendors escalated into a slashing attack, leaving a young woman injured and sparking an ongoing police investigation.
According to the New York Police Department, the incident happened around 1:30 p.m. near 63rd Street and Center Drive, a popular section of the park that attracts large crowds of tourists and local visitors. Authorities say a 24-year-old woman working at a food cart reported that she was attacked by a rival vendor during an argument over selling territory.
Police say the suspect, a 38-year-old woman, allegedly slashed the younger vendor during the confrontation and then grabbed approximately $500 in cash before fleeing the area. The suspect reportedly ran through Heckscher Playground in Central Park alongside her husband and son, according to reports cited by the New York Post.
The injured vendor was treated at the scene by emergency responders before being transported to Weill Cornell Medical Center. Authorities said she was listed in stable condition following the attack.
Investigators believe the confrontation may have been tied to a long-running dispute between the two vendors. According to reports, the pair had previously clashed during an earlier altercation on Christmas Eve, suggesting tensions had been building for some time.
Central Park’s food cart scene can be highly competitive, with vendors often vying for prime locations where large numbers of visitors pass by each day. On Tuesday, the park was particularly crowded as warm weather drew more people outdoors.
Witnesses reported seeing police vehicles and emergency crews responding quickly to the scene as officers began searching the surrounding area for the suspect.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and police say the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify and locate the suspect involved in the attack.
Authorities are reviewing witness accounts and any available surveillance footage from nearby areas to determine exactly how the dispute escalated into violence.
While street food vendors are a familiar sight throughout New York City parks, the incident highlights how competition for busy locations can sometimes lead to serious confrontations.
Officials are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact the NYPD as investigators continue to piece together what happened in the crowded park that afternoon.
The case remains under investigation as police work to track down the suspect and determine whether additional charges may follow.
