‘He Was Possessed By Someone Else’: FreshDirect Worker Speaks After Brutal Mallet Attack [Video]
Interview via CBS News
After being attacked by an unhinged, mallet-wielding man last Sunday, FreshDirect worker and assault victim Kevin Tello spoke with CBS News from his hospital room about the violent incident.
“He just completely lost his mind,” describes Tello, who says injuries have left him unable to walk for at least six weeks.
The worker’s vehicle and a van collided on Sunday, March 20 at approximately 12pm on Atlantic Avenue in the vicinity of Barclays Center. The driver of the black van — identified as Damian Bailey — began to flee the scene when Tello, a 23-year-old FreshDirect worker, leapt onto the vehicle.
The suspect then stopped his van after approximately three blocks, jumped out of the car, and began assaulting the victim with a mallet.
“I was surprised that I reacted that quick enough to grab onto his hood,” he explains, clutching the brace wrapping injuries sustained to his midsection. “If not, I’d be under his car.”
Warning: This video includes graphic content. (Video via YouTube)
The attack was caught on tape by a witness who was traveling to the Barclays Center in an Uber vehicle. He filmed the incident with his mobile phone, subsequently posting it on YouTube. The film is posted above.
Cops charged the suspect with menacing, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. The victim was struck with the mallet five times.
At 1:35 in the video interview, Tello describes the attacker, saying “[it was] like he was possessed by the devil.”
FreshDirect has also been in touch with Tello and his family, visiting him in the hospital.
“Our hearts go out to Kevin and his loved ones,” they said in a statement. “Our primary concern is always the safety of our employees and we were saddened to hear about this violent and senseless crime. We want to recognize the incredible efforts of the NYPD and FDNY in stopping the attack and rushing our driver to the hospital.”
While Tello remains in the hospital, the suspect is to appear back in court on Friday.
“I’m blessed to be here,” says Tello. “[L]ucky to be here.”
(Updated to add statement from FreshDirect.)