A violent altercation in an illegal gambling den in Brooklyn led to the death of a good Samaritan, Yong Zheng, after being stabbed four times.
The city of Brooklyn, New York witnessed prevailing darkness on Friday, following the death of a well-meaning bystander, who interfered in a robbery operation.
Reports show that the victim, Yong Zheng, a bus driver in Chinatown, suffered four stab wounds in his attempt to stop a violent altercation in Sunset Park.
HOW IT ALL PLAYED OUT
According to the NYPD, the incident kicked off at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday, with a robbery operation in an illegal gambling den near 57th Street and Seventh Avenue.
Three of the robbery victims chased after the robbers and confronted them. The altercation attracted a group of bystanders, including Zheng, who was on his way home from dinner with his family.
Upon witnessing the altercation unfold, the good Samaritan rushed to the scene in an attempt to break up the fight. However, the suspects dealt him four stabs in the torso before he could conclude his rescue mission.
WERE THERE FATAL VICTIMS?
Footage of the incident showed the good samaritan holding onto his arm in pain, as he staggered back to his family. He collapsed to the ground right after completing the trip. First responders transported Zheng, 46, to NYU Langone Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
He died while trying to stop a crime he knew nothing about
Meanwhile, the robbers also stabbed the other three men who originally engaged them in the wrangle, before fleeing the scene. These three men suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY MOURN THE LOSS
Following Zheng’s death, members of the community expressed their grievances over witnessing such an inhumane act. Most regarded it as shameful, to have a brave man meet his end while trying to make peace. One woman noted:
“It’s sad that somebody tried to help somebody and they got stabbed.”
Others sent out heartfelt condolences to the victims’ wife, Jin Zhao, and their two children. Zheng’s wife also expressed her sadness over his loss, saying it was more disheartening that he died while trying to stop a crime he knew nothing about.
WERE THE CULPRITS ARRESTED?
Two days after the stabbing, the New York police authorities arrested one suspect, William Smith, in connection with the incident. Reportedly, officers found the suspect after tracking his vehicle, which was caught on camera fleeing the scene of the crime.
According to the NYPD, the 45-year-old’s charges include robbery and murder. He also faces three counts of assault, for injuries inflicted on the three surviving victims.
Records obtained showed that Smith had a 10-year jail record for manslaughter, and was only recently released on parole. Additionally, the suspect possessed four previous arrests for charges related to weapons possession, intoxication, and sales of illicit substances.
At least three other suspects remain at large, as the NYPD continues with investigations.