As we mentioned this morning, police are investigating the attacks on five Asian women on the Lower East Side in the last couple of weeks. The incidents are being investigated as hate crimes. In the surveillance video below, you’ll see three young men and two women waiting for their victim in the lobby of an apartment building. The women apparently beat their victims as the men watch.
The assaults happened between March 31st and this past Tuesday. Three incidents occurred at the Baruch Houses – one at the Gompers Houses (90 Pitt Street). The victims are between 50 and 71 years of age. In the most recent incident, a 68-year-old woman was assaulted in front of 247 East Broadway at about 11pm.
No money has been taken, and the women seem to be selected at random. For these reasons, the Hate Crimes Unit has been brought in. The 7th Precinct has stepped up patrols in the area. We’re told by Community Board 3 that at least two suspects may already be in custody. There are also indications, they tell us, that some of the victims might have been men. Council Speaker Christine Quinn is working with Councilmembers Margaret Chin and Rosie Mendez to keep apprised of the situation, and to reach out to the Asian community.
If you have any relevant information, contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, by texting TIP577 to CRIMES, or by going to NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.
