A wave of fear washed over the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods of Brooklyn earlier this month as a 45-year-old man allegedly unleashed a series of disturbing attacks. Anthony Caines now faces charges for intentionally spitting in the faces of multiple women, targeting them based on their race.
The incidents, occurring over just two days – November 11th and 12th – left the victims reeling, feeling profoundly violated by the unprovoked assaults. Each attack was swift and unexpected, shattering a sense of safety in broad daylight and under the cover of night.
The first reported incident occurred on Broadway at 10:05 a.m. on November 11th. Less than two hours later, another woman was targeted at the bustling intersection of Bedford Avenue and Grand Street. The attacks continued into the night and the following morning, extending to Marcy Avenue and South Fourth Street, and finally, Grand Street.
One college student, caught completely off guard during her morning commute, described the experience as “crazy.” The sheer audacity of the act – the deliberate targeting of her face – left her questioning reality. “What just happened to me?” she wondered, struggling to reconcile the assault with the normalcy of her day.
Security camera footage proved crucial in identifying Caines as the suspect. However, despite the mounting evidence and multiple charges, including aggravated harassment, he was released the day after his arrest. An ankle monitor became his only constraint.
The release stemmed from New York’s bail reform laws, which limited the judge’s ability to detain him based on perceived risk to the community. The charges, classified as misdemeanors, didn’t warrant a felony hold, further complicating the situation.
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is now actively working to identify any additional victims who may have been targeted but haven’t yet come forward. They urge anyone with information to contact them directly, hoping to build a more complete picture of the attacks.
Caines is scheduled to appear in Brooklyn Kings Criminal Court on December 18th, where he will face the consequences of his alleged actions. The case has ignited a debate about public safety and the impact of recent bail reform policies, leaving many questioning the balance between justice and community protection.
