By Stephen Stirling
Hong Qi Zhang, 40, of 137-19 Holly Ave., was walking back to his home, a block ahead of a group of friends near the corner of Elder Avenue and Colden Street when he was confronted by a group of three men, authorities said. Police said after a brief confrontation, Zhang was stabbed several times in the chest and stomach and robbed of his cell phone and jewelry.
Police said Zhang's friends gave chase when they realized what was happening, but the suspects fled. Zhang was taken to New York Hospital Queens, located just blocks from where the attack occurred, and died later Sunday, police said.
Police said Zhang has no family in the United States and they were working to contact his relatives in China.
Police described Zhang's attackers as black men between the age of 20 and 25. Authorities said they were last seen running south on Colden Avenue. Police released a sketch of one of Zhang's suspected attackers, describing him as 6 feet 1 inch with black hair and a heavy build.
Police were asking anyone who has any information on the attack to call Crimestoppers at 800-577-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
