QUEENS, NY — A 39-year-old woman was arraigned on charges including attempted murder and assault after prosecutors said she randomly attacked a man outside his home in Queens.
According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, Melissa Duran approached a 54-year-old man on his porch on 53rd Avenue on Sept. 24 around 11:45 a.m. after getting out of a red Honda Civic.
Prosecutors allege Duran ran toward the man with a knife, asked, "What are you looking at?" and struck him in the temple with the weapon, causing a laceration extending from his temple to his ear.
The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Prosecutors also allege Duran repeatedly damaged her mother's vehicle. On Sept. 23, she allegedly smashed the windows of her mother's BMW, despite an order of protection against her.
The following night, prosecutors said Duran returned and damaged the vehicle again, leaving numerous dents and a kitchen knife lodged in its rear bumper.
Duran also faces criminal mischief and criminal possession of a weapon charges.
"We will not allow anyone to bring chaos and disorder to our residential neighborhoods," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
If convicted, Duran faces up to 25 years in prison.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Queens Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.