A man accused of randomly assaulting a 6-year-old boy near Bryant Park in Manhattan has been charged with felony assault. The suspect, David Silva, a 42-year-old Bronx resident, reportedly struck the young boy across the face as he walked with his father along West 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. Silva, who has a history of 17 prior arrests dating back to a decade ago, was also charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child, menacing, and harassment.
Silva’s most recent arrest prior to this incident was in June 2024 for allegedly throwing eggs at a stranger in Queens. The victim, Jazmin Jara, recounted the encounter outside her workplace at the time, where Silva asked her for money and later threw an egg at her when she refused. Despite the aggressive behavior, Silva was found unfit to stand trial in the Queens case and the charges were dismissed.
The attack on the 6-year-old boy, who luckily did not sustain serious injuries, led to Silva’s arrest. His arraignment was pending at the time of reporting. Jara, upon learning about Silva’s release and subsequent assault, expressed concern for public safety, emphasizing the danger posed by someone with a history of violent behavior.
Silva’s criminal record includes multiple misdemeanor assault charges since 2015, indicating a pattern of violent behavior. Jara emphasized the need for Silva to remain incarcerated, citing the potential threat he poses to others if released back onto the streets.
The incident has reignited concerns about public safety and the handling of individuals with a history of violent behavior. Authorities are evaluating the case to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the community from individuals like Silva. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
