Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video: Nearly Naked Man Defenestrates Self To Escape Roommate
By
Garth Johnston
Published Aug 3, 2012
Modified Aug 3, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Aug 3, 2012
Modified Aug 3, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A 37-year-old Chinatown man was arrested yesterday and forced to undergo a psychiatric evaluation after he allegedly held his roommate hostage and menaced him with a knife, according to police. And did we mention that the roommate ended up escaping the apartment by smashing open a window and jumping down one story in his skivvies? He did and yes, there is video:
According to reports the two were fighting because the victim was trying to boot his attacker from the apartment.
"We heard glass break, so we looked up and saw a man in the window," a crossing guard at the corner told the Post. "We heard him say, 'Call the police.'"
But the man wasn't about to wait for the police to save him, so after shattering the window he climbed out and walked across the Chen Wong Restaurant awning and jumped to the ground. And yes, there was gore. "I saw him come out the window. There was a lot of blood, it looked like some 'Hellraiser' stuff," the building's super said.
The man was quickly taken to Bellevue where he was treated for his injuries. Meanwhile, the roommate remained barricaded in his apartment for another three hours until he surrendered to the police a little after noon. Charges are pending.
Tagged
Chinatown
jump
manhattan
nypd
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
A sixth person dies after falling ill in NYPD custody this year
The 54-year-old was hospitalized twice after his arrest Friday, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 4, 2026 at 4:44 p.m. ET
NJ reports first West Nile Virus death of the year
While the national West Nile Virus trend has slowed down, activity in the Garden State has picked up.
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
NJ reports first West Nile Virus death of the year
While the national West Nile Virus trend has slowed down, activity in the Garden State has picked up.
By
Michael Sol Warren
NY's prison system is in crisis. It's driving staff away from the job.
By
Emily Russell
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
By
Ben Feuerherd
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
By
Jill Webb
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .