Serial Assailant Targeting Female Doctors and Nurses in the Bronx Remains at Large
In a shocking series of events, an unhinged madman has been targeting female doctors and nurses in The Bronx, leaving a trail of violence and fear in his wake. Edward Johnson, a 57-year-old illegal immigrant from the Caribbean, has a long rap sheet with 23 arrests, including charges of gun possession. Additionally, he has another 42 sealed arrests since arriving in the United States over a decade ago. Authorities believe Johnson is responsible for at least four attacks on healthcare workers over the past five years.
The attacks by Johnson have occurred at various hospitals in The Bronx, with the latest incident happening in January. He has a dangerous habit of assaulting female healthcare workers who attempt to treat him. Colleen Leahy, an emergency room doctor at St. Barnabas, has been a repeat victim of his attacks. She recounted being punched by Johnson in July 2022 and again in September of the same year. The continuous assaults have left Leahy in a constant state of fear, affecting her physical and mental health.
The situation has not only impacted the victims but also their loved ones. Eileen Leahy, Colleen’s mother, expressed her concern, fearing that her daughter may meet the same fate as Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant after being released by authorities.
Johnson’s criminal activities began in December 2019 when he was arrested for assaulting a doctor and nurse at Albert Einstein Hospital. His most recent arrest occurred at Jacobi Medical Center, where he allegedly punched a nurse in the eye. After evading authorities by not complying with supervised release, a warrant for Johnson’s arrest was issued last month. The Bronx District Attorney’s office is currently presenting the case to a grand jury to secure an indictment against him.
However, the handling of Johnson’s previous arrest raises questions. Colleen Leahy claims that an assistant district attorney informed her that the case wouldn’t go to trial to avoid jeopardizing Johnson’s immigration status. The Bronx District Attorney’s spokesperson, Patrice O’Shaughnessy, denies that Johnson’s immigration status played a role in the decision and states that he received a plea deal for the lesser charge of attempted assault, resulting in no additional jail time. O’Shaughnessy also mentions that Leahy was granted an order of protection against Johnson.
Leahy’s frustrations are shared by many in the medical community who question why Johnson was repeatedly released, allowing him to continue his attacks on healthcare workers. The fear and frustration among these professionals are palpable, as they dedicate themselves to caring for others while facing the constant threat of violence.
The hunt for Edward Johnson continues, and authorities are determined to bring him to justice. The safety of female doctors and nurses in The Bronx hangs in the balance, as they face the very real danger of encountering an unhinged assailant like Johnson. The hope is that swift action will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those on the frontlines of healthcare. Until then, these brave individuals continue to work tirelessly, despite the fear that lingers in their minds.
