New York City, NY — A 42-year-old man from the Bronx, identified as David Silva, has been charged with felony assault after allegedly slapping a 6-year-old boy outside Bryant Park on Sunday afternoon. The child was walking with his father along West 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue when the unprovoked attack occurred around 4:50 p.m., authorities said.
Silva, a complete stranger to the boy, was arrested shortly after the incident and faces additional charges, including acting in a manner injurious to a child, menacing, and harassment.
Long History of Arrests
Police revealed that Silva has an extensive criminal record with 17 prior arrests dating back to 2015. His previous offenses include misdemeanor assaults, disorderly conduct, and other minor crimes. Most recently, in June 2024, he was arrested for allegedly throwing eggs at a stranger in Queens, but was later found unfit to stand trial, and the case was dismissed in August 2024.
Authorities said Silva has repeatedly demonstrated aggressive behavior toward strangers, raising concerns about his risk to public safety.
Previous Incident With Eggs
The June 2024 incident involved Jazmin Jara, 40, who told police Silva approached her outside her workplace at Santander Bank in Jackson Heights, asking for money. When she ignored him, he allegedly threw an egg at her from a nearby food truck. Jara described the encounter as frightening, emphasizing Silva’s aggressive demeanor.
“Thank God it was only eggs, but he was trying to hurt me,” Jara said as per The Post. “Now with a kid, and tomorrow, who’s going to be next? He’s very dangerous.”
Community and Legal Concerns
Authorities stress that Silva’s pattern of repeated assaults, including the attack on a minor, poses a serious threat. His prior arrests largely involved misdemeanor assaults, yet his actions continue to escalate in severity.
The 6-year-old was not seriously injured, but the incident has heightened concerns among local residents about public safety near high-traffic areas such as Bryant Park.
Arraignment Pending
Silva’s arraignment for the attack on the child was pending as of Monday afternoon. Officials emphasized that community safety measures and court decisions will be crucial in determining whether he remains in custody.
Jara, who experienced Silva’s aggression firsthand, hopes authorities take stronger measures to prevent him from harming others in the future.
“17 prior arrests and now hitting a kid — he doesn’t respect anything, he’s very dangerous,” she said. “Imagine if next time he has a knife or something. He could kill someone.”
What Do You Think?
With repeat offenders like David Silva posing serious threats, how should authorities respond to protect the public?
Share your thoughts in the comments — Should there be stricter measures for individuals with long criminal histories?
