Eric Avrutov, 31, was released by a judge after allegedly attacking a 66-year-old rabbi and another man in separate incidents in New York City. The rabbi was assaulted on Dahill Road near Cortelyou Road in Kensington around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, resulting in a shoulder injury. Prosecutors had requested that Avrutov be held on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond, but Judge Edward Daniels granted him supervised release instead.
The rabbi's congregation member, Avrumi Herbst, stated that the rabbi is dealing with emotional trauma from the incident but plans to officiate during the upcoming holiday of Sukkot despite his injury. The police indicated that the attack on the rabbi was unprovoked and not motivated by hate.
Prior to the attack on the rabbi, Avrutov allegedly struck a 60-year-old man at a gas station. In both cases, the judge opted for supervised release despite the prosecution's requests for bail. Avrutov has a history of previous arrests, including a recent incident involving random assaults and violations of an order of protection. His previous charges include misdemeanor assault, gun possession, and criminal contempt.