Mom who was attacked, robbed while breastfeeding in Manhattan park speaks out

INWOOD, N.Y. (WABC) -- A young mother who was attacked and robbed at knife-point while breastfeeding inside a Manhattan park is speaking out to Eyewitness News.

Elena Sobina was was nursing her daughter in Fort Tryon Park in Inwood when they were attacked around 5:30 p.m. on October 30.

"She was panicking, screaming, it wasn't like a regular cry like she was hungry or something," she said. "When we back got home, she was looking like (around), turning her head right, left...and I don't think she likes to be in the dark anymore."

Six-month-old Kelly started freaking out as soon as she heard her 39-year-old mom scream, after the knife-wielding suspect approached from behind.

"He pushed me on the ground with the baby, and she was on the ground facing down," she said. "And I was grabbing her."

Then, she says he came closer, walking around to the front of the bench.

"I said, 'Please, take my bag,'" she said.

The suspect ran away with Sobina's handbag and iPhone, while Kelly ended with a bruise under her nose.

Shortly thereafter, 31-year-old Juan Garcia was arrested nearby. And while Sobina got her stuff back, she lost her peace of mind.

"I just want to warn everybody who is trying to find quiet place and be by herself, don't do that," she said. "It's not a good idea."

The suspect appeared in court Thursday. He is charged with robbery, grand larceny, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of stolen property and endangering the welfare of a child.