The NYPD has identified the man they believe is responsible for a series of brutal attacks on Asian Americans in Manhattan.
"(In) the eight robberies and assaults, all of the victims were Asian. All were struck- nose broken, teeth broken; money and cell phones were taken," NYPD Cmsr. Ray Kelly told Good Day New York on Monday.
Kelly showed viewers a photo of Jason Commisso. The suspect has a long rap sheet including more than 30 arrests, said Kelly.
Commisso allegedly targeted Asian-Americans in East Harlem and parts of the Upper East Side since January 17th.
Over the past week, the suspect assaulted six Asian-American residents by repeatedly punching them in the face and head and forcefully removing their property in elevators, said police.
The latest incident took place on Friday when two Asian-American residents were assaulted.
Community members joined by Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito held a press conference Saturday morning in East Harlem to denounce the crimes saying this kind of violence will not be tolerated.
Initial descriptions of the suspect describe him as a light-skinned, black or Hispanic male, 6'0"- 6'2", 200 - 230 lbs.
He was wearing a black jacket and a black doo-rag or skull cap.
Crime Stoppers is currently offering up to $2,000 in cash for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person responsible for these crimes.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:57 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:57:40 GMT
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