Food Vendor Slashed in Central Park Turf War

Rival vendor allegedly stole $500 from victim during fight over selling space

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A 24-year-old food vendor was slashed and robbed of $500 by a 38-year-old rival vendor during a fight over turf in New York City's Central Park on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect fled the scene with her husband and son after the attack, which left the victim in stable condition at a local hospital.

Why it matters

Disputes over prime selling locations are common among street food vendors in high-traffic urban parks, but this incident highlights the potential for violence and criminal activity when vendors clash over limited space and customer traffic. The attack raises concerns about public safety and vendor regulation in popular tourist destinations.

The details

According to police, the two vendors got into a dispute around 1:30 pm at 63rd Street and Center Drive in Central Park. The 38-year-old suspect allegedly slashed the 24-year-old victim and stole $500 from her before fleeing on foot through Heckscher Park with her husband and son. The victim was transported to Weill Cornell Medical Center in stable condition, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The two vendors had a previous altercation on Christmas Eve.

The players

24-year-old food vendor

The victim who was slashed and robbed during the dispute over turf in Central Park.

38-year-old food vendor

The suspect who allegedly slashed the victim and stole $500 from her before fleeing the scene with her husband and son.

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What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and search for the suspect, who fled the scene. Authorities have not yet made any arrests.

The takeaway

This attack underscores the need for better regulation and oversight of street food vending in popular public spaces to prevent future outbreaks of violence and protect the safety of both vendors and customers.