NEW YORK, N.Y. – The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect wanted in connection with an alleged hate crime assault aboard a subway train in Manhattan.
According to investigators, the incident occurred at approximately 4:52 p.m. on Monday, July 27, aboard a northbound R train as it approached the 42 Street-Times Square subway station.
Police said a 21-year-old man was approached by an unidentified individual who began talking with him before making anti-Asian remarks during the encounter.
When the train arrived at the station, investigators said the suspect allegedly pushed the victim to the platform, causing his eyeglasses to break. The suspect then allegedly punched and kicked the victim, leaving him with a laceration to the face.
NYPD investigating incident as hate crime
The NYPD is investigating the assault as a hate crime based on the reported anti-Asian statements made before the attack.
Authorities have not released a description of the suspect but are asking anyone with information to come forward as detectives continue their investigation.
Police have not announced any arrests, and the suspect remained at large as of Thursday.
Crime Stoppers seeking public assistance
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can contact 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Tips can also be submitted online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X through @NYPDTips. Police said all calls and tips are kept confidential.
Why It Matters
New York law provides enhanced criminal penalties for offenses that investigators determine were motivated, in whole or in substantial part, by bias against a protected group. Hate crime investigations seek to determine whether bias played a role in the commission of the alleged offense.
The incident also highlights ongoing concerns about violence and bias-motivated crimes within the city’s transit system, which serves millions of riders each week.
Local Impact
The alleged assault occurred at one of the busiest transit hubs in the country, where thousands of commuters and visitors pass through Times Square every day. The NYPD is encouraging subway riders to promptly report suspicious behavior, threats, or bias-related incidents to police.
What Happens Next
Detectives are working to identify and locate the suspect. Anyone with information, surveillance footage, or other evidence related to the incident is encouraged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.
As with all criminal investigations, any suspect identified and charged is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sources
- New York City Police Department
- NYPD Crime Stoppers
FAQ
- When did the assault occur?
Police said it happened at approximately 4:52 p.m. on Monday, July 27. - Where did it happen?
Aboard a northbound R train approaching the 42 Street-Times Square subway station in Manhattan. - Why is the case being investigated as a hate crime?
According to the NYPD, the suspect allegedly made anti-Asian remarks before the assault. - Was the victim injured?
Yes. Police said the victim’s glasses were broken, and he suffered a laceration to the face. - How can the public provide information?
Anyone with information can contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, submit a tip online, or message @NYPDTips on X.
Key Points
- NYPD is searching for a suspect wanted in an alleged hate crime assault aboard an R train near Times Square.
- Police said the suspect made anti-Asian remarks before pushing, punching, and kicking a 21-year-old victim.
- Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.