NEW YORK CITY, NY – The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is actively investigating an assault that took place in lower Manhattan on Friday.
At around 10:15 pm, a 72-year-old man was near the intersection of West 17th Street and 9th Avenue when he was confronted by four unidentified males. The suspects directed anti-LGBTQIA+ comments at the victim and attacked him, using their fists, feet, and objects to hit him.
Following the assault, the individuals were observed fleeing the scene on foot and were last spotted entering 420 West 19 Street. As a result of the violent encounter, the victim suffered a fractured jaw along with cuts to his face and hands. He later sought medical attention at a local hospital on his own accord.
Of the four assailants, one is described as a male of light complexion with a heavyset physique and the other three are described as males with medium complexion and a slim build.
Authorities are urging anyone with insights about the incident to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). For Spanish-speaking individuals, the number is 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Information can also be shared through the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or by tweeting @NYPDTips.