Suspected Serial Slasher on Loose in Brooklyn: Deep Face Wounds in East Flatbush Incidents

East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY — October 27, 2025 — Local law enforcement has launched a manhunt after a suspected serial slasher attacked three men over the weekend in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, each victim suffering deep cuts to the left side of their face. Officials believe the assaults may be connected and are warning residents to remain vigilant.

The attacks reportedly occurred in separate locations, creating a ripple of fear across the closely knit community. With no arrests yet announced, officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Brooklyn South precinct are appealing for witnesses and any video footage that could help identify the suspect.

Timeline of Attacks

According to police, the first assault took place around 8:15 p.m. Saturday near Snyder Avenue and East 53rd Street when a 28-year-old man was walking home from a local grocery store. He reported hearing footsteps before being struck from behind. The attacker then allegedly slashed him across the left cheek and upper neck area, leaving the victim with severe facial injuries.

The second incident, occurring nearly two hours later at approximately 10:45 p.m., targeted a 32-year-old man outside a takeaway near Church Avenue and East 50th Street. Police say the assailant approached the victim, asked a question, then produced a blade and inflicted lacerations on the left side of the face before fleeing.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, the third victim—aged 24—was attacked in the 3100 block of Church Avenue. He was found by passersby with a deep cut along the left side of his face and neck. Paramedics transported him to Kings County Hospital in stable but critical condition.

In all three cases, victims described the assailant as a male, approximately 25-30 years old, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. Police believe a single perpetrator may be responsible based on the knife used and similarity of victim wounds.

Manhunt and Police Response

Brooklyn South Deputy Chief Maria Lopez told reporters Monday: “We are treating this as a possible serial slashing. We are working with investigators, crime scene technicians and the community to track down the suspect. Anyone with information or video should contact the NYPD immediately.”

Surveillance footage and shell-casing recovery are underway at each location. Police have also increased patrols in high-traffic areas of East Flatbush, deployed “violence interrupters” and offered a reward of $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

A shelter-in-place alert was not issued, but community leaders urged residents to avoid walking alone after dark and to stay on well-lit main roads. Local merchants joined the effort, reviewing CCTV footage and offering access to video records for investigators.

Community Impact

The East Flatbush neighborhood, historically home to many Afro-Caribbean families, is described as tight-knit and typically resilient in the face of crime. But this weekend’s events have brought anxiety and suspicion into the streets.

“We used to walk to the shop without even locking the door,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous. “Now we’re scared to step out after nightfall. My wife’s phone pings whenever I leave the house.”

Local businesses reported quieter traffic on Sunday evening, and the neighborhood association held a virtual meeting Monday night to address safety concerns. One shop owner described the mood: “It’s like we went backward — people talking about avoiding Sunday night go-outs.”

Prevention and Safety Tips

In light of the attacks, safety experts emphasize that situational awareness and community cooperation are crucial. Residents should:

• Avoid traveling on side streets or poorly lit back alleys after dark.
• Stay in groups and let someone know your route if walking at night.
• Be alert to unusual behavior: repeated glances, someone following you, sudden approaches.
• Carry a phone with emergency contacts saved and consider apps with live sharing features.
• Review CCTV footage if you live or work near the scene and be ready to share it with authorities.

Broader Context

Though New York City has seen year-over-year declines in many types of violent crime, random weapons assaults continue to pose a challenge for law enforcement and community stakeholders alike. Events like this one, though less common than major mass shootings, have deep psychological effects on neighborhoods.

Experts say the unique nature of knife attacks—often quieter, harder to trace than gunfire—makes them especially concerning. “The insufficient flash, less audible sound, and rapid escape make slashing incidents more difficult to respond to,” said Dr. Allen Reed, a criminal-justice professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “They demand a different approach: fast medical care, rapid tracing of digital evidence and intensive community support.”

What Comes Next

Investigators say they will expand their canvass beyond the immediate attack sites to possible escape routes, review transit-station footage and liaise with neighboring precincts. Community members are urged to stay alert and proactive.

The settings for the next steps include:

• Crime scene processing at each location, including knife residue tests and victim wound comparison.
• Mapping of the suspect’s possible travel route and timeline.
• Follow-up interviews with witnesses who may have viewed the suspect entering or leaving the scene.

Brooklyn South officials hope that arrest will be made within the coming days. Meanwhile, the neighborhood remains on edge — a community usually proud of its resilience now watching and waiting for closure.

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Sources:

• ABC7 New York – “Police searching for man after 3 slashings in East Flatbush, Brooklyn”
• NBC New York – “NYPD: 3 men slashed in Brooklyn over weekend; suspect sought”
• New York Daily News – “Brooklyn serial slasher leaves three injured in East Flatbush”