A man was stabbed to death in broad daylight Tuesday afternoon along Third Avenue in the Melrose section of the Bronx, just steps from a playground where children were returning home on the first day public of school since winter break.
Police say the attack happened shortly after 2 p.m. near Third Avenue and East 163rd Street. Graphic surveillance video shows a knife-wielding man walking behind a mother pushing a stroller before abruptly stopping at a corner, turning around and locking in on 53-year-old George Ennin.
Authorities say the suspect tripped Ennin and stabbed him multiple times as he lay helpless on the sidewalk. Ennin lives just two blocks from where he was attacked.
In the footage, Ennin can be seen attempting to stand after the attacker—wearing a bomber jacket—runs away. He then stumbles down the sidewalk, leaving a trail of blood before collapsing against a wall. Dozens of neighbors rushed to help before police arrived moments later.
Officers found Ennin critically injured and rushed him to the hospital, where he later died.
The stabbing occurred just across the street from Flynn’s Playground, where families and students were coming and going following school dismissal.
“It feels horrible to not feel safe in your own neighborhood,” said Navil, a local mother. “Especially if I’m walking with a child there in broad daylight.”
Navil said the attack has left her fearful for her 6-year-old daughter’s safety—not only near the playground, but on public transportation as well.
“You don’t know where you bump into something,” she said. “It could be on the bus itself.”
Police have not announced any arrests and say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.