Teen Slashed in Times Square After Gang Affiliation Question
Early Saturday around 1:30 a.m., an 18-year-old was attacked in the heart of Times Square, near the 3 Times Square skyscraper on Seventh Avenue and West 43rd Street, according to authorities.
Details of the Incident
The assailant approached the teen and asked whether he belonged to a gang. Without waiting for a response, the attacker slashed the victim across the face with a cutting instrument, police reported.
Medical Response and Condition
Officers from the NYPD quickly transported the injured teen to Mount Sinai West hospital. He is currently in stable condition.
Suspect Description and Police Appeal
Security footage released by the NYPD shows the suspect as a man with long dreadlocks, wearing a black hoodie and carrying a red backpack while walking on the sidewalk.
Anyone with information on the stabbing is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Tips can also be submitted online via the Crime Stoppers website or on X at CrimeStoppers and @NYPDTips.
Summary
The early morning attack in Times Square involved a random question about gang membership followed by a violent slash, with police actively seeking public help to identify the suspect.