NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The NYPD released surveillance video Tuesday of a man who allegedly used a book to attack a woman in the Flatiron District last week.
The 18-year-old victim was in front of 24 West 25th St. on the night of Aug. 19 when she was assaulted unprovoked.
A man bashed her in the face with a book and then fled eastbound on West 25th Street towards Madison Square Park, police said.
She suffered pain, bruising and swelling to her nose but did not require hospitalization, according to police.
News of the assault comes amid growing concern about unprovoked attacks on women in the city.
Asked about such attacks last week, Mayor Eric Adams said he planned to work with the NYPD commissioner on possible public service announcements to spread awareness.
“A random act of violence is just that, it's a random act, unexpected,” Adams told reporters. “Someone comes out of nowhere and just carries out a vicious act against you. And it is challenging to police.”
“We want to be proactive to address those who have a higher propensity to do so,” the mayor continued, noting that many of the suspects in these cases are “dealing with severe mental health issues” that require a multifaceted approach involving the health system.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.