Suspect In Unprovoked Harlem Slashing Sought By Police

HARLEM, NY — Police asked for help this week identifying a man accused of slashing a woman on a Harlem sidewalk in a random attack last month.

The assault happened around 10:10 p.m. on April 25, as the 21-year-old woman was walking near the corner of West 135th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Without provocation, a man she did not know approached her from behind, slashed her with an unknown sharp object and fled east along 135th Street, police said.

The woman suffered lacerations to the back and shoulder and was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in stable condition.

Police released surveillance footage of the suspect on Thursday, showing him near where the slashing happened.

Crime reports have dropped by about 12 percent this year in the NYPD's 26th Precinct, which covers West Harlem. The same is true across the city, although shootings, assaults and murders have all risen compared to the same period last year.

Police asked anyone with information about the slashing suspect to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.