Credit: DCPI
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NEW YORK (77WABC) — The suspect in an unprovoked brutal hammer attack on a New York City health department worker was back out on the streets despite a lengthy rap sheet again fueling debate over bail reform.
The suspect — 57 year old William Blount — spent two decades in prison. He was involved in a jailbreak that left a guard dead and an armed robbery involving a kidnapping.
According to NBC New York, Blount was busted in 2000 in the case after he and his brother burst into a Bojangles restaurant, kidnapping two workers while armed and forcing them to open a safe
Blount’s crimes date back to about 1993 — and the subway attack at Long Island City’s Queens Plaza station last Thursday night marks the most recent allegation against him. 57-year-old scientist Nina Rothschild was left in critical condition after being hit in her head with a hammer in Queens Thursday.
Blount is charged with attempted murder, robbery and assault in connection with the attack.
Dr. Dave Chokshi, health commissioner for the city, called the attack “horrific” in a statement and said the agency’s thoughts were with the woman and her family.
“Nina has worked tirelessly in service to her fellow New Yorkers and she is truly a public health hero,” Chokshi said. “The Health Department and I will do everything we can to support her in her recovery—and we ask that all New Yorkers keep her and her family in their thoughts while respecting their privacy during this difficult time.”
