Man arrested after woman hit with brick in string of hate crime attacks in Manhattan
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Police said a man was arrested in connection with a string of hate crime attacks in New York City, one in which a woman was hit in the head with a brick.
Police said 33-year-old Todd Lyons, of Manhattan, was arrested Friday and charged with hate crime assault and assault.
All four attacks happened on the streets of Manhattan, three in a three-hour span on the same day. In at least one attack, the man allegedly made anti-white statements.
Police believe the man has attacked at least four people since August 9. The first reported victim was a 56-year-old man who was pushed from behind while walking along Fifth Avenue near 14th Street. The victim fell, and the attacker fled.
Five days later, a 64-year-old woman walking on Greenwich Avenue near 8th Avenue when she was struck in her neck and shoulder with a wooden stick.
About an hour later in front of 2 Wooster Street, police say a 20-year-old woman was walking when the suspect threw a brick and struck her in the back of the head before fleeing.
Roughly 90 minutes later, in front of 181 8th Avenue, a 58-year-old man was walking at the location when the suspect struck him in the face and made anti-white statements.
In all the incidents, there was no previous exchange or interaction between the victim and the suspect.
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