Advocates urge action after pair of unprovoked attacks in Harlem, Manhattan

Two recent attacks that were apparently unprovoked have community advocates calling for action.

News 12 Staff

Jan 24, 2021, 7:27 PM

Updated 1,360 days ago

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Two recent attacks that were apparently unprovoked have community advocates calling for action.
In one incident, a woman was assaulted, bitten and beaten by a group of men in Harlem on Monday, police say.
The 31-year-old woman entered a liquor store on West 128th Street when she was approached by a group of men that were inside.
The suspects began arguing with her before she left the store. The men then followed the woman and surrounded her.
They began pushing and kicking the victim and one of the men bit her on the forehead and face, police say.
The suspects stole the woman’s cellphone and ran off.
The victim was taken to a hospital and treated for pain and bruising.
A separate group of men and women assaulted a man Friday at the corner of Canal and Allen streets in Chinatown, police say.
The suspects assaulted the 26-year-old victim, stealing his cellphone and all of his clothes.
The man was treated for cuts to his head, torso and hands.
The pair of unprovoked attacks has community advocates and city residents urging Mayor Bill de Blasio and police to do more to protect New York City residents.
Community advocate Tony Herbert says the major flaw is the recent bail reform law, which he says sends the wrong message that criminals can be freed after committing a crime.
There has been no arrests in either of the assault cases.
Anyone with any information on either attack is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls are kept confidential.