NEW YORK, N.Y. – The NYPD is asking for help identifying a suspect accused of knocking a yarmulke from a man’s head outside a Lower Manhattan business, an incident police are investigating as an aggravated harassment hate crime.
The attack happened at approximately 1 p.m. May 7 outside 1 Whitehall Street in the 1st Precinct, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers. Police said the 39-year-old victim was attempting to enter the business when an unidentified person approached him from behind.
- The incident happened around 1 p.m. May 7 at 1 Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan.
- Police said the suspect slapped the victim’s yarmulke from his head before running away.
- The NYPD is seeking the public’s help identifying the suspect and released photographs as part of its investigation.
Man Targeted From Behind on Whitehall Street
According to investigators, the suspect approached the victim from behind and slapped his yarmulke, causing the Jewish head covering to fall to the ground.
No injuries were reported.
The suspect then ran southbound on Whitehall Street and escaped, police said. The NYPD did not provide a name or detailed description of the person sought in its Crime Stoppers appeal.
Police classified the case as aggravated harassment as a hate crime. The Crime Stoppers notice did not describe any words allegedly exchanged between the victim and suspect or provide additional details about what investigators believe happened before the encounter.
The incident is among the Manhattan crime cases in which investigators have turned to publicly released images in an effort to identify a wanted suspect.
NYPD Releases Photos and Asks Public for Tips
More than four months after the incident, investigators are circulating photographs of the person they are seeking.
Police have not announced an arrest.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the May 7 incident can contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be sent by direct message to @NYPDTips.
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