Police seek woman who assaulted restaurant workers in Manhattan and made anti-Asian comments.

Authorities in New York City are actively seeking a woman accused of assaulting two employees at a Chinese restaurant in Harlem after making derogatory anti-Asian statements. This incident, which occurred in the early hours of April 6, 2023, at the Empire Chinese restaurant located near the intersection of Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and West 141st Street, has been classified as a hate crime by the New York Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force.

The suspect allegedly initiated her attack by verbally assaulting a 42-year-old female staff member, reportedly pulling her hair and dragging her to the ground. Witness accounts indicate that the assailant shouted inflammatory remarks, expressing hostility towards the victim’s Asian heritage.

In an attempt to protect his coworker, a 48-year-old male employee intervened but was met with aggression. He sustained injuries during the encounter, including a cut on his lip from a punch delivered by the assailant. Both victims declined medical assistance following the altercation.

Descriptions of the suspect reveal that she was wearing a black coat, black pants, and black sneakers. After the incident, she fled the scene, heading south on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and then east on West 141st Street. With rising concerns about hate crimes, this incident highlights the critical need for community awareness and vigilance.

Investigators are urging anyone with information regarding the suspect or the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. All communications with Crime Stoppers are kept confidential, ensuring the safety and anonymity of individuals who provide assistance in ongoing investigations.

Hate crimes, particularly those targeting individuals based on race or ethnicity, have become an escalating concern in various urban areas across the United States. The NYPD is committed to addressing these acts of violence and prejudice, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation and reporting to combat such trends effectively.

As authorities continue their search for the suspect, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many individuals face due to bigotry and intolerance in society today.