NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A homeless man attacked and stabbed a migrant in the head on a Bronx street last week, telling the victim “you don’t belong” in the U.S., police said Wednesday.
Police said it all started about two weeks ago when the suspect, Luis Morillo, allegedly approached the 51-year-old Hispanic victim, asking for money and the victim refused.
The victim reported to the police that Morillo had threatened him that day, saying he would be back for him, according to police.
Then on Nov. 10, as the victim was walking near an Optimum cable store on East Fordham Road, the two men got into an argument which escalated and Morilla told the victim, “You don’t belong in this country”, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters according to the New York Post.
Morillo, 36, allegedly punched and stabbed the victim in the head.
Kenny also noted that the victim was a recent arrival to the United States.
The attack left the victim with severe injuries, including gashes on his right ear, left ear, neck, and back.
The victim was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was admitted in stable condition, police said.
Morillo was arrested and charged on Saturday. He pleaded not guilty at the Bronx Criminal Court and was later released on non-monetary bail on Sunday.
Morillo was charged with multiple counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and harassment.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 17.