Woman Assaulted, Leg Broken At NJ Staples Over Face Covering

HACKENSACK, NJ - The Hackensack Police are asking the public to help them identify a woman who attacked another patron at a Staples store on Hackensack Avenue over a request to wear a face covering, authorities said.

According to police the attack took place shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday when the victim, a 54-year-old woman who had undergone a liver transplant last spring, asked another patron to wear a face mask when she approached her.

The video shows this sparked the suspect to confront the victim before throwing her to the ground. According to police the suspect became angry at the victim and exchanged words with her before violently throwing the victim to the ground. The video also shows the woman leave the frame and then exit the store. No one in the store intervened or responded to the victim's cries for help in the video, which you can view below.

The victim told police she was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center via ambulance, where she was diagnosed with a fractured left tibia, authorities said.

Police said the suspect is an African American woman between 5'5" and 5'8" tall, weighing approximately 160 lbs.

Hackensack Police Captain Darrin DeWitt told Patch that the investigation is active and ongoing and as of yet they have not located the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hackensack Police Department at 201-646-7777. Those who witness a crime are asked to reach out to Crime Stoppers of Bergenfield, Englewood, Teaneck, Hackensack and Bogota. Cash rewards up to $1,000 are offered. Tips can be made anonymously by visiting bergencrimestoppers.org or by calling 844-466-6789, 24/7.

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