Man Arrested for Attempted Rape of Woman at Manhattan Nail Salon

A 35-year-old man has been apprehended in connection with an alleged attempted rape at a nail salon in Manhattan. Joseph Wichard faces serious charges including attempted rape and sexual abuse following an incident reported on September 1. According to law enforcement officials, Wichard allegedly targeted a 34-year-old woman who was working at the establishment located at the intersection of West 36th Street and Broadway.

Court documents reveal that Wichard entered the nail salon and forcibly grabbed the victim by the arms, making an unwelcome attempt to kiss her. In a defensive response, the victim fought back, managing to bite Wichard in an effort to escape his advances. However, the situation escalated further when Wichard allegedly threw the victim to the ground, attempted to undress her, and groped her.

Remarkably, the victim managed to repel the assault by striking Wichard with a vacuum cleaner, prompting him to flee the scene. The two individuals were unknown to each other prior to the incident, according to the police report. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived shortly thereafter and transported the victim to a nearby hospital where she was reported to be in stable condition.

Following the event, the New York Police Department (NYPD) disseminated surveillance images of Wichard in an effort to solicit information from the public. Law enforcement has indicated that Wichard had no prior arrests before this alleged incident, highlighting the uncharacteristic nature of the crime.

Wichard was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on Sunday, where Judge Jeffrey Gershuny ordered that he be held without bail pending further legal proceedings. The case underscores ongoing concerns surrounding safety in public spaces and the need for greater awareness regarding potential acts of violence.

As the investigation continues, both the authorities and the community remain vigilant in addressing issues of sexual assault and ensuring that such incidents do not go unpunished. This incident has sparked broader discussions about the importance of safety measures in areas frequented by the public, particularly in service-oriented businesses.