UWS Crime Crisis Pushes Lifelong NYC Residents to Consider Leaving

Following The Post’s report on the escalating crime affecting Manhattan’s upscale Upper West Side, news has emerged of a frightened assault victim from the UWS and her husband deciding to leave New York City after her alleged assailant was released to return to the crime scene.

The rampant lawlessness in the UWS has included bold daytime robberies and alarming gunpoint carjackings occurring on successive Sunday afternoons.

The lifelong city dweller shared with amNY her experience of being assaulted on November 6 near a Dunkin’ Donuts on W. 72nd Street by a violent vagrant armed with a cane, later identified as Charles Rogers — who has a criminal record spanning 40 years.

Police apprehended him two days later and proceeded to issue a desk appearance ticket for misdemeanor assault and menacing. When he failed to show up in court, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

In the meantime, Rogers made his way back to his usual spot outside the Dunkin’ Donuts, and police did not apprehend him there.

His extensive criminal background includes 39 arrests for various assaults and other offenses, beginning with a robbery charge in 1987 involving a dangerous weapon.

Residents of the Upper West Side have ample reasons to be outraged by the recent uptick in crime.

Recent instances of random violence include an 81-year-old woman being sucker-punched while walking on West 66th Street and a 55-year-old Danish tourist randomly stabbed on West 86th.

According to NYPD data, robbery and burglary increased by over 30%, assaults rose by 14%, and shooting incidents saw a staggering 250% jump.

It is clear that these criminals feel emboldened by the lenient responses from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and judges in criminal court who interpret the state’s misguided justice “reforms” in the most lenient way possible.

If Bragg cannot protect affluent residents of Manhattan, what hope do lower-income crime victims have for obtaining justice?

Until the local Democratic Party addresses the crime issue seriously, voters — even those on the more liberal UWS — may have no choice but to support Republican candidates, such as ex-Democrat Maud Maron’s challenge against Bragg in the upcoming election.

The relentless cycle of crime will continue unless politicians recognize that victims will no longer tolerate this situation.