Man Hits Child Inside Harlem Restaurant, Police Say

HARLEM, NY — A man hit a defenseless child inside a Harlem restaurant on Saturday, according to police, who are now asking for help identifying the suspect.

The assault happened around 5:40 p.m. at Red Star, a Chinese restaurant on Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard near West 147th Street.

Video shows the man walk into the restaurant holding a small child, put the child on the ground, and then strike it, causing the child to fall to the ground. The man then puts the child in a stroller and leaves the restaurant.

Police released surveillance footage showing the assault. (Warning: the video may be disturbing.)

Responding to a 911 call, police arrived at the restaurant about an hour later, but the man and the child were gone.

Authorities asked for help identifying the suspect, described only as a man between 20 and 30 years old.

Police asked anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.