Sleeping man accused of stabbing Queens fruit vendor: sources
WOODSIDE, Queens (PIX11) --- A man who was passed out next to a fruit cart in Queens is accused of stabbing a worker after he was asked to move, according to police and sources.
Cekie Niser, 47, allegedly attacked the fruit vendor during a fight near 59th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside at around 5:45 p.m. Sunday, according to the NYPD. Sources said Niser was sleeping beside the cart when the 35-year-old worker told him to leave.
Niser then allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed the vendor multiple times in the body, police said. The victim was taken to the hospital and expected to survive his injuries.
The weapon was recovered at the scene.
Niser was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, menacing, and harassment, police said. His arraignment was pending Monday.
The suspect has 20 prior arrests, including busts for petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, bail jumping, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to the NYPD.
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.