Man Who Assaulted 2, Slashing 1 On BK Street Sentenced

BROOKLYN, NY — A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to over 3 years in prison for slashing a man on a Brooklyn street and attacking another person who tried to intervene back in 2022, prosecutors announced.

Michael Ruiz, 46, of Bushwick, slashed a 39-year-old man outside his apartment on Berry Street, in Greenpoint on June 28, 2022.

Ruiz approached the victim and told him “I own this block” and threatened to kill him, according to prosecutors.

Ruiz went to his car, and returned with a knife and continued to threaten the victim. When a bystander tried to intervene, Ruiz punched the man in the face, prosecutors said.

Ruiz then began to kick the 39-year-old victim to the ground. As the victim lay on the ground, Ruiz slashed him across the arm with a knife.

The victim was treated for a fractured orbital bone, a laceration under his eye, and a laceration across his arm requiring approximately 15 stitches. The attack was captured on surveillance footage, prosecutors said.

Ruiz was arrested on October 6, 2022.

"Keeping the people of Brooklyn safe is my highest priority, and violent offenders such as this defendant will face serious consequences. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for a random and vicious assault," Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.