A man has been arrested and charged with hate crimes after allegedly whipping a 12-year-old boy with his belt near a playground in New York City, authorities said.
The incident occurred near the playground when the adult suspect approached the child and began beating him, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation. The attack was motivated by bias against the victim's sexual orientation, police allege.
Background
The attack took place as families were present in the area near the playground. Witnesses reported seeing the man strike the child multiple times with a belt before other adults intervened and separated them. The child was left with visible injuries.
Police responded to the scene after receiving emergency calls about the assault. Officers quickly identified and located the suspect in the vicinity.
The Charges
The suspect has been charged with hate crimes, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a minor, among other charges. The hate crime designation reflects the alleged bias motivation behind the attack targeting the child's sexual orientation.
The New York Police Department is handling the investigation, which remains ongoing. Prosecutors are reviewing evidence including witness statements and any available surveillance footage from the area.
Key Takeaways
- A grown man allegedly whipped a 12-year-old boy with his belt near a NYC playground
- The attack was classified as an anti-gay hate crime by police
- The suspect has been arrested and charged with hate crimes and assault
- The child sustained injuries but is expected to recover
What's Next
The suspect is expected to be arraigned on the charges in the coming days. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek enhanced sentencing due to the hate crime designation and the victim's young age.
Police are continuing their investigation and urging any additional witnesses to come forward with information about the incident.