Morning foot traffic along Kings Highway and Ocean Avenue in Flatbush turned ugly on Tuesday, July 21, when a 64-year-old man was shoved to the pavement after a barrage of anti-Jewish remarks, according to witnesses and police. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was reported in stable condition.
The NYPD Crime Stoppers account posted a “WANTED FOR AN ASSAULT” alert with still photos of the suspect and a brief rundown of what happened, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers. The notice pegs the time of the attack at about 8:15 a.m., says the man took off on foot and urges anyone with information to DM @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577-TIPS.
Officers from the NYPD’s 61st Precinct, the department’s Hate Crimes Task Force and volunteers with Flatbush Shomrim responded to the scene, and emergency crews brought the victim to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition, according to Patch.
NYPD Review and Local Context
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is reviewing the case to determine whether it meets New York State’s legal standard for a hate crime, and detectives will confer with the department’s Legal Bureau as the investigation moves forward. Citywide data show anti-Jewish incidents account for a majority of confirmed hate crimes so far this year, a trend the department has flagged in recent public briefings, according to an NYPD press release.
How to Help
NYPD Crime Stoppers says tipsters could receive up to $3,500 if their information results in an arrest and indictment, and is asking anyone with surveillance footage or eyewitness details from the time of the assault to DM @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577-TIPS, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers. Detectives have also urged neighbors to review any doorbell or security camera video from the morning of July 21.
No arrests have been announced, and the case remains active. Investigators with the 61st Precinct and the Hate Crimes Task Force are asking anyone who knows something to come forward, according to Patch.
