In an unprovoked attack in New York, surveillance footage shows Anthony Evans slicing a woman open with a box cutter. He was detained and faces a hate crime charge, authorities said.
Investigators say shocking video evidence shows Anthony Evans, a 30-year-old suspected career criminal, assaulting the 59-year-old seamstress as she walked along Seventh Avenue near West 42nd Street in Manhattan.
The victim, who was seen carrying a shopping trolley in the footage, was attacked with a box cutter by the suspect, a black man wearing a black jacket and gray sweatpants, who approached her from behind . He later fled, according to authorities.
Anthony Evans is currently charged with committing a hate crime and possessing a weapon after being arrested more than 30 times on charges including theft, unlawful possession of a weapon and turnstile jumping.
Police have yet to determine what prompted the assault.
Arrest of Anthony Evans
Police have asked people to help identify Anthony Evans from the surveillance footage
The 59-year-old Asian woman was assaulted by Anthony Evans, and following the attack she was rushed to Bellevue Hospital with a large gash to her right hand.
The victim’s daughter said her mother was happy no one else was hurt while discussing Anthony Evans’ arrest.
Initial video of the incident was released to the public last week by the New York Police Department in an effort to identify the assailant. However, on Monday they were still trying to find out where he was. The NYPD also released a photo of Anthony Evans. Evans was captured, according to WABC, after he was seen near the Port Authority bus station.
Authorities said until Monday evening they were not investigating the incident as a hate crime. It’s unclear, however, what led to the associated charges on Tuesday.
Asian Americans worry about their safety
Asian American advocacy organizations on Tuesday called for stronger action to reduce hate crimes, especially as they have recently increased.
The Post received a statement from Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation, via email.
A man headbutted a 27-year-old while shouting anti-Asian slurs at him in Queens last month. A second incident involved the defendant kicking an Asian woman in Manhattan while shouting “get out of our country”.
