Attacker Avoids Arrest 2 Weeks After UES Assault Spree: NYPD

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A man whose violent assault spree on the Upper East Side stoked safety fears in the neighborhood is still on the loose a full two weeks after the attacks, an NYPD spokesperson said.

The suspect, who police identified 11 days ago as 27-year-old Gary Smith, has not been arrested, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed Monday. Police had "no updates" on the case and said the investigation remains ongoing.

Smith threatened two people with a knife and randomly smacked a woman in the face on the morning of Dec. 16, police said. The man is wanted for assault, among other charges, police said.

On the week of the attacks, police released surveillance footage that shows Smith punch a woman at random while walking past her on East 85th Street. Smith calmly struts away from the assault scene as the shocked woman moves away from him, according to the video.

He's wanted in connection with "multiple" threats including one on East 87th Street and Third Avenue in which he pulled a knife on a couple pushing a stroller. Smith is also accused of chasing a man around a parked car on Park Avenue and East 82nd Street, police said. The man was talking to a driver sitting in the car when Smith walked up to them, shouted "I know you are talking about me," and then pulled a knife.

Smith's alleged crimes took place on the morning of Monday, Dec. 16 between 10:45 and 11:15 a.m., police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477).