The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating a bias assault in Woodhaven earlier this month. The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, in the vicinity of Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard.
Police from the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill reported that three women were on a southbound Q52 MTA bus when they approached a 57-year-old woman who was on board and allegedly struck her on the head with an unknown object causing a laceration and bleeding as they made anti-white statements, police said. The three suspects got off the bus and fled the scene on foot.
The victim was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition where she received three staples on her head as a result of her injuries, police said.
The NYPD on July 15 released surveillance that shows the three women walking past the Woodhaven Boulevard subway station.
They are described as Black women in their teens or early 20s with dyed hair.
One suspect had blondish hair and wore sunglasses, a black tank top, white shorts and white sneakers. A second suspect had greenish-dyed hair and wore sunglasses, a dark tank top, black shorts and white sneakers, and the third had greenish hair and wore a blue baseball cap with white lettering, a green long-sleeved shirt, black shorts and white sneakers.
In response to the incident, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar scheduled a press conference at the site of the assault to condemn the alleged hate crime.
“We stand together to condemn hate crimes of any form,” Rajkumar said. “Hate based on someone’s race, religion or ethnic background is un-American. As New Yorkers, we embrace difference. As Americans, we know that we are all in this together, sharing a collective destiny. No matter your background, you should be safe on the streets and in public transportation.”
“Public safety remains my top priority. I am working with Mayor Eric Adams, our police, and community partners to bring an end to rising crime, including the 100% increase in hate crimes,” Rajkumar added.
The press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19.
The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force continues to investigate the assault. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.
