A 52-year-old man died after being punched in the face late Thursday night in East New York, according to police. Officers found him unconscious at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue, and emergency crews rushed him to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Identify Victim, Hunt Suspect in All-White Outfit
Police have identified the victim as 52-year-old Kemal Karakatal and say the assault was reported just before 8:20 p.m. on Thursday. Detectives described the person they are seeking as wearing a white tank top, white shorts, white socks and black Crocs. There were no immediate arrests as the investigation continued, according to News 12 Brooklyn.
Where It Happened
The deadly punch happened at Pitkin Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue, right by the Van Siclen Avenue subway station in East New York. The station's public listing places it at Van Siclen and Pitkin, and the neighborhood is covered by the NYPD's 75th Precinct, according to Wikipedia.
Victim Taken to Hospital
EMS transported Karakatal to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased, according to News 12 Brooklyn. Brookdale serves eastern Brooklyn and is listed at 1 Brookdale Plaza in the state’s hospital profile for the facility.
Potential Charges
Because the victim died, prosecutors could pursue homicide-related charges depending on what investigators can show about intent or recklessness. New York’s Penal Law lays out manslaughter and murder under Article 125. Any criminal case out of East New York would be handled by the Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney’s Office, which prosecutes crimes in the borough.
How to Help
Anyone with information, video or tips is asked to contact the NYPD's 75th Precinct or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online and anonymously, per the NYPD. Detectives say the investigation remains active while they look for the suspect.
