Say Ridgewood Man Attacked Neighbor In Apt.
A knife-wielding Ridgewood man reportedly broke into a next door neighbor’s apartment and assaulted her late last Saturday night, Aug. 9.
Police said Velizar Burchici, 34, of Woodbine Street was picked up by the 104th Precinct Detective Squad several hours after the incident and booked on burglary and assault charges.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the trouble began at around 11:30 p.m. last Saturday inside an apartment house on Woodbine Street near 60th Place.
Law enforcement sources said the 29-year-old female victim heard a knock on the front door to her unit and went to answer.
Upon opening the door a crack, Burchici reportedly pushed his way inside the apartment and confronted the woman. Sources familiar with the investigation said there was no relationship between the suspect and the victim.
Seconds after entering, authorities said, Burchici allegedly held a knife against the woman’s neck and threatened to cut her if she screamed. He reportedly placed his forearm on her neck and his hand over he mouth, then applied pressure.
Authorities said the woman managed to break free, ran out of the apartment house and contacted police.
Members of the 104th Precinct responded to the scene; the victim suffered minor injuries.
Following an investigation, Det. Steven Lundy of the 104th Precinct Detective Squad charged Burchici early on Sunday morning, Aug. 10, with first-degree burglary, seconddegree assault, menacing, criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment.
Court records noted that Judge Ernest Hart ordered Burchici held on $25,000 bail during an arraignment hearing in Queens Criminal Court on Sunday. The suspect is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 25.
