The shirtless suspect runs away after burning a man with liquid in Midtown on July 5, 2021.
Photo courtesy of NYPD
The shirtless suspect who scalded a man with liquid during an apparently random attack in Midtown Manhattan earlier this month remains at large, police reported.
Police released footage Monday night of the incident, which occurred at 10:01 p.m. on July 5 near the corner of West 47th Street and 5th Avenue.
According to law enforcement sources, the attacker stalked the 57-year-old male victim, who was walking toward his nearby home, for several blocks before making his move.
The video shows the bare-chested suspect walking up to the victim from behind and then hurling the unknown substance at the man’s back. The injured man, before stumbling to the ground, spotted the suspect running away from the scene.
Police said no words were exchanged prior to or during the attack. Cops did not disclose what substance the perpetrator used; it’s believed to be either hot water or some unidentified chemical.
The victim later sought treatment for his injuries at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with second-degree burns to his back.
Police described the attacker as a man with a light complexion standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, who was last seen wearing black shorts.
Anyone with information regarding the assault 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.