NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A panhandler asked a subway rider if he was Chinese before threatening his life and trying to rob him on a Manhattan subway train this week, police said.
The NYPD released an image of the suspect on Saturday and said the attempted robbery is being investigated as a hate crime.
The victim, who police said is an Asian man, was aboard a northbound train approaching the 34th Street–Herald Square station around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday when he was approached by a man panhandling.
The man asked the victim if he was Chinese and then threatened to kill him if he didn't hand over his property, according to police.
The assailant tried to steal the victim's phone and bag but wasn't able to, police said.
The victim got off the train at the 34th Street–Herald Square station, while the would-be robber stayed on the train, according to police.
The victim refused medication attention, police said.
The incident comes amid a spike in anti-Asian crimes in the city and nationwide.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
