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Teen Punched by Attackers Yelling "ISIS" in Possible Hate Crime: NYPD

Possible Astoria Hate Crime Assault
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NYPD

ASTORIA — Teenagers armed with a pipe and a bat punched a 19-year-old man on the street, calling him an "Arab" and yelling "ISIS" at him, according to the NYPD.

In the April 27 attack, which police are investigating as a hate crime, a group of three teenagers approached the victim from behind as he was walking on 10th Street near 33rd Road in Astoria at about 1:20 p.m., police said.

When the victim turned around, one of the suspects called him an Arab and punched him twice in the face, according to authorities.

Another suspect, who was holding a pipe, yelled "ISIS, ISIS," at the victim, and the third attacker was armed with a baseball bat, police said.

The suspects fled after they noticed a bystander watching, according to police.

The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention, according to authorities.

The first suspect is described as between 17 and 19 years old, standing roughly 5-foot-9 and weighing 180 pounds, with a chin strap beard and short black hair.

The second is also thought to be between 17 and 19, standing 5-foot-6 and weighing 160 pounds, police said.

The third assailant is around 18 years old and 5-foot-9 with black hair and a beard, according to the NYPD.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).