The suspect who allegedly slashed a tourist on the Upper West Side in a bloody assault Wednesday spat at the press, ranted and raved after police nabbed him Thursday.
According to authorities, 25-year-old Joshua Zinberg was cuffed around 8 a.m. on Nov. 21 after his own mother walked into the 20th Precinct and identified her troubled son, who allegedly has a history of mental health issues. Thanks to the tip, cops were able to catch up to Zinberg not far from his home during a traffic stop and took him into custody.
Zinberg is accused of randomly targeting his victim in the brazen and bloody, unprovoked attack.
amNewYork Metro obtained surveillance footage of the horrific incident outside of 114 West 86th St. at around 10:23 a.m. on Nov. 20, within the 20th Precinct’s confines.
The video showed two men walking along the sidewalk when a man wearing a gray sweatshirt and black shorts ran up to them from behind, while holding a knife.
Police said one of the men, aged 55, was slashed across the face and ear, leaving the wounded man gushing blood.
Following the attack, eyewitnesses said, the victim crawled into the doorway of 114 West 86th St., holding tissues on his face to try and stop the bleeding while waiting for paramedics.
EMS rushed him to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where he underwent surgery and survived.
Just after 2 p.m. on Thursday, detectives escorted a Tyvek suit-clad Zinberg out of the 20th Precinct en route to his arraignment.
amNewYork Metro asked if he had a message for his mother after she turned him into authorities. He responded by spitting at a photographer and going on a bizarre rant.
“You are just doing this for clicks!” He cried.
Zinberg is charged with attempted murder, two counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
