Long Island City park attack triggers NYPD hate crime investigation

The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating an unprovoked attack on a young Asian American couple in Long Island City. The incident occurred on the evening of September 10 near the waterfront at Hunters Point South Park.

According to police reports, a 21-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man were walking near Center Boulevard and 51st Avenue when an unidentified stranger approached them. The suspect reportedly shouted anti-Asian and homophobic slurs before physically striking the victims. The woman was punched in the back of the head, and the man was struck in the head with an unknown substance.

The couple fled to a nearby restaurant, Frank Ottomanelli's, to seek refuge and assistance from staff. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area to identify the suspect. No arrests have been made at this time. Local reports indicate that hate crimes within the NYPD's 108th Precinct have increased by 40% this year compared to the same period last year.