CHELSEA, Manhattan (PIX11) — Police are searching for a group of individuals who allegedly beat a teenager in Manhattan last month, according to officials.
The attack happened after a large group gathered around West 23rd Street and 11th Avenue around 8:30 p.m. on April 13, police said.
Three individuals walked up to the boy, 14, and made “anti-sexual orientation remarks,” according to the NYPD. The individuals then punched and kicked the teenager several times and slammed his head into the ground before fleeing, according to the NYPD.
The victim was treated for injuries.
Police said the victim does not know the attackers, but one of the individuals is an acquaintance of the victim on social media, where they were able to pull a photo from his profile page. Police described that suspect as a man around 5’9″ with a thin build, dark-colored hair, and eyes. Police said they believe he lives in New Jersey.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is conducting an ongoing investigation.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
