Hero or Vigilante? NYC Landlord Hailed by Locals for Brutally Attacking Homeless Man

In the heart of Chinatown, Manhattan, a landlord has become an unlikely hero in the eyes of local residents. Brian Chin, a 32-year-old building owner, was charged with felony assault after brutally beating a homeless man on Saturday. The incident occurred near Sarah Roosevelt Park, an area that has reportedly become a lawless cesspool due to the city's soft-on-crime policies. Chin has been praised for his efforts to keep the neighborhood clean and safe, particularly after a homeless man murdered one of his tenants, Christina Yuna Lee, in 2022. According to a long-time landlord on Chrystie Street, Chin is a community activist and leader who wants the best for the neighborhood. His actions have been met with gratitude from locals, who feel that the city's policies have undone everything that the Broken Windows strategy achieved.The incident that led to Chin's arrest occurred when he kicked a homeless man who was sleeping on a sidewalk at Chrystie and Grand. The two men then got into a physical altercation, with the homeless man allegedly swinging a chair with a nail sticking out of it at Chin. Chin has since been released without bail, and the vagrant will be charged with menacing once he can be identified. The incident has sparked a debate about the city's approach to homelessness and crime. While some see Chin as a hero, others view him as a vigilante. The incident has also highlighted the challenges that local businesses and residents face, with some reporting rampant shoplifting and harassment from the homeless. According to a landlord source, the police are unable to do anything about it because these activities have been decriminalized. The tragic death of Christina Yuna Lee has left a lasting impact on the community. Residents and business owners remain vigilant, with some installing intercoms and locking doors to ensure their safety. The incident has also highlighted the challenges that landlords face when dealing with homelessness and crime in their neighborhoods