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Perp wanted for random spray attack in Lower Manhattan: cops

Suspect inset in front of Lower Manhattan street
The suspect (inset) in a chemical spray attack on a man near the South Street Seaport on March 18, 2024.
Photo via Google Maps/Inset courtesy of NYPD

Police released footage Tuesday of the suspect who randomly sprayed a 67-year-old man with an unknown chemical in Lower Manhattan last month. 

According to police, the victim was minding his own business outside of 206 Front St., near the South Street Seaport Museum, on Monday, March 18, at approximately 10:23 a.m. when the incident unfolded.

From a few feet away, cops said, the suspect began yelling at the victim before spraying him in the face with the substance. The victim did not know his attacker, police said.

Following the attack, the perpetrator fled on foot northbound along the cobblestone-lined Front Street moments before officers from the 1st Precinct arrived on scene.

The victim suffered pain and burning to the face as a result of the spray attack, police noted.. EMS brought him to New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital in stable condition. 

Police describe the suspect as a male, approximately 5’8”- to 5’11”-tall with a dark complexion, heavy build and a salt-and-pepper beard. He was last seen wearing a black hat, red jacket with a black shirt underneath, blue jeans and blue-and-white sneakers. 

The NYPD released a photo and footage of the suspect. 

Anyone with any information regarding the assault is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish speakers, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at nypdcrimestoppers.com or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTipsAll calls and messages are kept confidential.