Police are searching for a man accused of hitting a 12-year-old boy with a belt at a Lower East Side playground, and on Wednesday they renewed their call for witnesses after circulating a sketch of the suspect. Investigators say the anti-gay attack happened April 29 at the NYCHA Baruch Houses. The victim suffered minor injuries, and as of Wednesday, the NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force, which is leading the investigation, had not reported any arrests.
According to PIX11, the assault occurred at about 6 p.m. on April 29 in front of the Baruch Houses. The attacker allegedly shouted anti-LGBTQIA+ slurs before striking the child with a belt. PIX11 reports that the boy was treated for minor injuries and that officers have been canvassing the area, asking neighbors for surveillance footage or other tips.
Police Release Sketch And Suspect Description
Police released a sketch of the suspect on Wednesday as the Hate Crime Task Force intensified the search, 1010 WINS reported. The man is described as having a dark complexion and being about 45 to 50 years old. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants, and officials say he fled on foot. Investigators say the attack appears to have been driven by anti-LGBTQ bias and that the case will be reviewed by prosecutors if sufficient evidence is gathered.
Hate-Crime Probe And Citywide Context
City officials say the incident is being handled as a bias-motivated assault and falls under the Hate Crime Task Force's jurisdiction. While New York City has recorded drops in many major crime categories this year, the mayor's office has noted that bias incidents remain a concern. A recent transcript from the Mayor's Office states that more than half of confirmed hate crimes in the first quarter of 2026 targeted Jewish New Yorkers, highlighting the range of communities affected by bias-driven violence, according to the Mayor's Office.
How To Help
Police are asking anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, according to PIX11. Neighbors with building cameras and anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident are urged to contact detectives. The NYPD has not released further details about potential motives beyond the reported slurs.
