Police release video of suspect in attacks on Asian women
NEW YORK -- Police have released surveillance video of a man suspected in at least four allegedly racially-motivated attacks against Asian women in New York City.
CBS New York reports that the video was captured just before the most recent attack at a dry cleaner business, on Monday afternoon in Manhattan.
The suspect walked up to a 41-year-old Asian woman around 4 p.m. and attempted to talk with her, police said. When she ignored him, the suspect left but then returned, striking her in the face with a hard object inside a bag, police said.
An eyewitness, Hanse Hill, was across the street when the attack happened. He said the man was nonchalant when he walked into the store where the attack occurred. He was carrying a heavy object concealed in a plastic bag, according to police.
"He just ran out, started jogging with a package in his hand, running and the lady came right behind him yelling and screaming for him to stop," Hill said.
Detectives believe the same man is responsible for three other attacks against Asian women in different neighborhoods last week. In each incident, according to CBS New York, police said the victims were hit in the face with a bag containing a hard object.
Police say in one of the incidents, the suspect asked for the woman's phone number, complaining that Asian women don't want to date him, before slamming her in the face with the covered object.
All of the victims were treated at area hospitals for minor injuries.
NYPD Crime Stoppers, a non-profit program, is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.