NYC food vendor busted for slashing her competitor in daylight Central Park turf battle: DA, sources

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A female food vendor was busted for slashing a competitor with a razor blade in a broad daylight Central Park turf war battle this week – alongside two male accomplices who beat and robbed the victim, prosecutors and sources said. 

Myriam Guama, 38, was arrested Wednesday – a day after she allegedly knifed a 20-year-old rival merchant near the Heckscher Ballfields at 63rd Street and Center Drive, according to a criminal complaint. 

Meanwhile, Edison Gualotuna, 41, grabbed the victim by her arms, and the youngest attacker, John Chavez, 18, kicked her and snatched $500 from her purse, prosecutors charged.


NEW YORK, NY - JULY 27: Vendors sell fruit during a heat wave in Central Park on July 27, 2023 in New York City.
Myriam Guama (not pictured) was arrested for allegedly knifing a 20-year-old rival merchant near the Heckscher Ballfields at 63rd Street and Center Drive, prosecutors said. Getty Images

The brutal attack left the victim with cuts and bleeding to her right arm, right leg, right side of her stomach and the left side of her neck, and she was hospitalized in stable condition. 

The 1:20 p.m. spectacle stemmed from a clash over vending territory, law enforcement sources said.

All three suspects were picked up when eagle-eyed officers driving around the same area of the iconic greenspace spotted the ruffians and took them into custody, cops said. 

It was not immediately clear whether Gualotuna and Chavez were also vendors.

The three were charged with robbery, assault and attempted assault, prosecutors said. 

During their arraignments in Manhattan Criminal Court Thursday, Guama was ordered held on $75,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond, Chavez on $100,000 bail or $200,000 bond and Gualotuna on $150,000 bail or $300,000 bond.


Thousands of people flock to Central Park in Manhattan on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, taking advantage of the first spring-like weather of the season.
The violence erupted over a clash over vending territory, sources said. Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Post

They are due back in court Tuesday. 

The brutal vendor clash came as Central Park reached a sweltering 80 degrees Tuesday, making for the earliest day in the year to reach that temperature .

The previous record was set when the park hit 85 degrees on March 13, 1990.

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