4 Straphangers Whacked In Wood Block Attacks | NYC Top Stories

Good evening, New York City Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the state for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories around New York City:

1. Authorities accused a Queens man of using bogus companies to gain more than $1 million in pandemic relief funds. The 54-year-old used the funds to spend on luxury shopping, a Rolex watch and travel for himself, prosecutors said. (Read more on Patch.)

2. Michelin added almost a dozen New York eateries to its regularly-updated restaurant guide this week. The new entries including three Midtown spots, ranging in cuisines from Chinese to Italian and American. The new set of restaurants are up for Michelin honors after visits by the guide's inspectors, according to an announcement. (Read more on Patch.)

3. A 19-year-old faces an assault charge after hitting an Israeli student with a stick outside the Columbia University library, police said. The suspect was involved in an argument with the 24-year-old student, according to authorities. The attack comes amid at least three violent incidents overnight in New York City, all of which were apparently inspired by the bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Read more on Patch.)

4. Police said a civilian NYPD employee was caught stealing from a Target in Brooklyn on Wednesday, and is now facing charges. City records show the woman, a Police Communications Technician, is currently on leave. (Read more on Patch.)

5. NYPD officials are looking for a man who reportedly hurt at least four people with blocks or pieces of wood over the course of 12 minutes last week. The attacks all unfolded in broad daylight Oct. 5 along R train platforms, authorities said. The suspect was last seen in a black sweater, black pants and an orange backpack. (Read more on Patch.)