Flushing, New York — A man has received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in a violent home invasion that left a woman traumatized. Michael Fan, 25, was convicted in absentia for his involvement in the crime, during which he and two accomplices held the victim at knifepoint in September 2022.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. as the 20-year-old victim was smoking outside her home on Parsons Boulevard. Fan, along with his codefendants, Sihao Wang and Dong Ming Shi, ambushed her, forcibly dragging her into her residence. Once inside, Fan brandished a knife and demanded the woman’s cell phone before restraining her with zip ties.
While the assault unfolded, the victim’s partner, who was in the basement, monitored the situation through surveillance cameras and promptly alerted law enforcement. Officers from the 109th Precinct responded quickly, arriving on the scene to find Fan still inside the residence after the victim managed to free herself and escape.
As the police arrived, they saw Fan through a window. Although he attempted to flee, Wang was apprehended shortly after and found in possession of the victim’s cell phone and an air pistol. Shi was also caught shortly thereafter. The pursuit continued until law enforcement located Fan hiding in a nearby backyard, where he was arrested along with $1,441 in cash.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed relief at the sentence, saying that Fan not only attacked an innocent woman but also displayed blatant disrespect for the judicial process by failing to comply with court directives during his trial. “He thought he could evade justice, but in the end, the system prevailed,” Katz remarked.
Justice Gary Miret, who presided over the case, sentenced Fan to a total of 20 years, followed by five years of post-release supervision. Katz commended the tireless efforts of both prosecutors and law enforcement in securing a conviction against Fan, who had initially evaded capture for nearly seven months.
Wang, Fan’s accomplice, pleaded guilty earlier this year to attempted robbery and received a two-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Shi remain unknown, as he is believed to have left the country.
This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of violent crime and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold justice. As the community reflects on the incident, the victim’s bravery in escaping her captors highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.