Man arrested twice for attacks, released both times, faces new charges

The first incident occurred last month when Tarrant reportedly punched a 28-year-old woman on Fulton Street near Water Street. He then allegedly attacked two other women within five minutes before police apprehended him. Despite the multiple assaults, he was initially charged with a misdemeanor and released the following day due to limitations within the 2019 bail reform laws.

“This is the most insane story ever,” the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, stated. She described being approached by Tarrant, who shouted a warning before attempting to strike her. She managed to dodge the initial blow, but it landed on her shoulder.

Police released Tarrant after his initial arrest, and a day later, he allegedly assaulted an 85-year-old man in Hell’s Kitchen, kicking him and punching him twice in the face. This time, he was charged with felony assault due to the victim’s age. While prosecutors requested $25,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond, Criminal Court Judge Jeffrey Gershuny released him on supervised release.

Judge Gershuny has previously faced criticism for lenient rulings, including releasing Cornell Neilly, who had 34 prior arrests for bank robbery, on supervised release. Gershuny was also censured last year for an incident involving a firearm in a Brooklyn courtroom.

The 28-year-old victim expressed her fear and disappointment with the system, stating, “We walk around and we expect to not feel like we’re in danger all the time… And when the people hired to protect us don’t really step into the full role of their responsibilities it’s really scary.”

Retired NYPD Detective Michael Alcazar criticized the handling of the case, suggesting police could have pursued additional charges despite the lack of cooperation from all victims. He also placed blame on the judge, emphasizing the importance of considering dangerousness when making release decisions.

Felony assault cases have increased by 14% in the NYPD’s 1st Precinct, which covers Soho, Tribeca, and Wall Street, with 151 reported so far this year compared to 133 last year. Tarrant’s public defender did not respond to requests for comment.