Strip Club Slashing Nets Bronx Man 18 Years in Prison

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NEW YORK - A Bronx repeat felon has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for slashing a patron inside a strip club. 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Bobby Dee Cruz was sentenced to 18 years-to-life in prison as a persistent violent felon after being convicted for slashing the neck of a fellow patron at a Long Island City strip club in 2019. 

“Thankfully, the victim survived this unprovoked grisly attack, which not only left a lasting scar but painful memories as well,” Katz said. “The long sentence imposed today by the Court punishes the defendant for his vicious actions.” 

Cruz, 35, of Webster Avenue, in the Bronx, was convicted in September of attempted assault in the first degree and assault in the second degree. 

Queens Supreme Court Justice Michelle Johnson who presided over the trial sentenced Cruz as a persistent violent felon to an indeterminate term of 18 years-to-life in prison. 

As captured by security camera footage, during the early morning hours of April 20, 2019, inside of the Show Palace NYC Gentleman’s Club, located in Long Island City, Cruz approached another man who was restrained from behind. 

Cruz slashed the 31-year-old victim with a sharp object, causing a four-inch long laceration that penetrated the left side of the victim’s neck. 

The victim was taken to a local hospital for surgery.