Teen Arrested For Coronavirus-Fueled Attack In E Harlem: Police

EAST HARLEM, NY — A teenager is facing charges for attacking an Asian man in a coronavirus-fueled hate crime, police said.

The 13-year-old, who was not identified by police, was arrested and charged with assault and aggravated harassment for a Tuesday, March 10 attack of a man walking on Madison Avenue near East 105th Street, an NYPD spokesperson said.

A 59-year-old man was walking on the street when the teen allegedly approached him and said "f--- you, Chinese coronavirus," police said. The attacker then kicked the man, causing him to fall to the ground, before fleeing the scene.

The victim refused medical attention at the scene of the attack, police said.

Charges against the teen carry hate crime designations, which can result in stricter sentencing if convicted.