'I Hate Mexicans,' Park Slope Subway Attacker Tells Woman

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — A woman riding the subway in Park Slope was randomly punched in the face by another woman who said that "I hate Mexicans," according to police.

The racist assault happened at rush hour Monday, as the 41-year-old woman got onto a northbound Q train heading toward the 7th Avenue station, police said.

The woman sat down and began talking on her cell phone when the unidentified suspect sat next to her and without saying a word, punched her several times in the face, according to police.

"Why did you hit me?" the victim asked the stranger, police said.

"I hate Mexicans," the woman replied, according to authorities.

As the train pulled into the 7th Avenue stop, the victim snapped a cell phone photo of the assailant, which police released on Tuesday. The suspect then got off the train and fled to an unknown location, police said.

The victim, who suffered bruises to her forehead and a cut on her upper lip, stayed on board before getting off at the Atlantic Avenue station, where she declined any medical attention.

The NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the assault, police said.

Police described the suspect as a woman who stands about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 120 pounds, with a thin build, long, dark hair in a ponytail, and a tattoo with Roman numerals on her left arm. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a graphic on the front, blue jeans and black Crocs, and carrying a purse.

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.