A woman was recently assaulted at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 166 West 72nd Street (Google Maps)
An assault on the Upper West Side has left the victim contemplating leaving the city for good after a lifetime in NYC. The 55-year-old female victim, who asked to remain anonymous when interviewed by amNewYork, was assaulted on the morning of November 6 inside the Dunkin’ at 166 West 72nd Street.
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The alleged attacker, despite having an extensive criminal record, was released shortly after his arrest and remains in the area, prompting the victim to question both her safety and the city’s justice system.
A regular patron of the Dunkin’ location, the victim was entering the store for a cup of coffee when the confrontation occurred.
“He was sitting outside on a fire hydrant as I walked in,” she told amNewYork. “He came in after me and started yelling.”
Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing the man, believed to be 60-year-old Charles Rogers, waving a cane before allegedly striking the woman, causing her to fall against the wall and hit the floor.
“I hit my head and was bleeding. I needed to go to the emergency room.”
Police arrested Rogers two days later, charging him with assault and menacing. Rogers, who is unhoused, has a criminal record dating back to 1987 and has been arrested at least 39 times, including for prior assaults and drug-related charges.
According to amNewYork, authorities confirmed that Rogers failed to appear for a scheduled court date following this latest incident, leading to a warrant being issued. However, Rogers remains free and has reportedly been seen near the Dunkin’ where the assault took place.
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The victim expressed frustration with the handling of the case. “I’m worried nothing is going to happen. It’s upsetting that he’s only being charged with a misdemeanor.”
Her husband shared similar concerns, adding, “I assumed he would be held in custody because this was a violent crime. I’m worried about her safety.”
After this, the couple, lifelong residents of New York City, told amNewYork they’re moving away.
“When this happened to me, I just said: I want to leave — we’re definitely leaving.”
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Who can blame her!? This is what happens in Alvin Bragg’s upside down New York. With any luck, 2025 will see the return of law and order & the removal of criminally insane, violent people. Arkham Asylum, indeed.
We need to get rid of Bragg and the rest of the left wing crazies who care more about the criminals than the victims.
This is Carl Heastie’s fault and he still won’t do anything about it. His bail reform has been a disaster.
Well, have fun wherever you end up. I sympathize with you and what you have experienced but is this the real reason you’re leaving NYC? Don’t you have a lifetime of wonderful experiences? Do you think you’ll never have a great experience again if you stay? Seems odd to me. But, I wish you peace wherever you go.
I understand we have compassion for the mentally ill and the unhoused, but the line must be drawn when it comes to the freedom/safety of the public. It is unacceptable that this dangerous man is left free to attack and harm other individuals. Are the police going to wait until someone is dead? The revolving door for dangerous criminals is unacceptable.
Our mayor and new chief of police must do better. We don’t deserve to live in fear for want of not incarcerating menaces to society.
Will we be forced to arm ourselves?
Until there is accountability and enforceable penalties in the form of (a) loss of license to practice law (b) loss of their job in the pubic sector and (c) yes, even jail time for their malfeasance, the judges and public defenders, who put these criminals back on the streets through court shenanigans like plea bargains, sentence reductions, and complete dismissal of all charges, won’t bat an eyelash. Like Trump, they get off scot-free when these goons are freed to rework their mayhem and madness on the streets and no one ever legally challenges their appalling decision to release these criminals in the first place. It’s the civil judge, public defenders and privately-hired attorneys who deserve penalties and real prison time….then, you watch how much of this dreck is never allowed to reappear amongst us law abiding and citizens who pay these charlatans their 6-figure salaries.
After 30+ years on the UWS and two years of de Blasio, I saw the writing on the wall and got the heck out of there and moved out of state. Avoided the covid insanity, the migrant invasion and now Bragg’s lawless pandemonium. Glad I was smart and had good instincts at the time!
People have the misconception that violent assaulters in NYC will be prosecuted and spend time in Jail. This almost never happens. At most these offenders go to Anger management classes and its very rare for them to spend time in Jail. Only Murder or Rape is treated with any seriousness in NY. Other then that Criminals have a free ride to Rob and Assault in NY.