In Greek mythology, the demi god Hercules slayed a creature called Lernaean Hydra. With his sword, and a bit of fire, Hercules managed to slay the Hydra.  However, it wasn’t all that simple. If the Hydra’s head was cut off, it is said that one or multiple heads would grow back to take it’s place. It seems that simply eliminating one head brings about many more. This is what is happening in the streets of NYC with the multiple face slashers appearing since early January.

There have been multiple victims to face the face slashers in NYC. Many of the attacks have been taking place in train stations, either early in the morning or late at night. The attacks are completely random it seems.  The committers of the crime seem to have no motive- but to cause distress and pain to those they hurt.

“Today was a difficult day that I never thought I would have to go through, I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and put in an unfortunate situation, but I would like to do what I can now to raise awareness,” said one of the early victims Amanda Morris. “It was unprovoked, and I did not have any association with this man prior to the incident, we have never seen each other before.” Morris’ perpetrator, however, was caught not to long after.

Kari Bazemore, was charged with felony assault and criminal possession. A calm spread throughout the city as people now felt safer knowing the felon was behind bars. The serenity was short lived when just a few weeks later another criminal is out in the streets slashing the faces of innocent people. Three different victims were attacked in the subway in the late January. A 27 year old victim was attacked in a Harlem station. A 71-year-old woman was attacked on the D train, and a 29- year-old woman was attacked on the number 3 train.

There have been suspects arrested and charged for these crimes, yet a week after these attacks a man was attacked in a East Harlem station. The attacks have still continued to happen, recently a man was attacked on the number 3 train. Although the violators of past crimes have been charged and arrested, it has not put an end to the face slashing in NYC.

The city is doing all they can to put an end to these heinous crimes. Police officers have been positioned in almost all train stations, and their presence has become quite evident. Like the Hydra, when its head gets cut off, the face slashing criminals keep appearing. New Yorkers must be alert and aware of their surroundings when taking the train at any time during the day. Although there are no suspects for the recent crimes, it is important to keep an eye out to stay safe in the streets.