The moment a suspect attacked a couple in Chelsea with pepper spray on June 1, 2021.
Screenshot from video courtesy of NYPD
Police need the public’s help in finding the man who attacked a couple with pepper spray at random on a Chelsea block earlier this month.
The NYPD released on June 6 video footage of the assault, which occurred at about 9:50 p.m. on June 1 in front of a café on 8th Avenue near West 16th Street.
As shown in the video, the two victims — a 19-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man — were walking away from a nearby restaurant when the culprit approached them.
Without any warning or provocation whatsoever, law enforcement sources said, the suspect spritzed them both with pepper spray, then casually strode away northbound along 8th Avenue.
Officers from the 10th Precinct and EMS units responded to the incident. Paramedics treated both victims at the scene for redness and eye swelling.
As shown on camera, the male suspect has a dark complexion and a thin build; he was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, a black t-shirt, gray jeans and black shoes.
Anyone with information regarding the attack can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at nypdcrimestoppers.com, or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Ex-Brit turned Manhattan resident since 2008.