2 Teens Charged In Gang Assault On Former NY Governor, Stepson: Report

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Two teenagers have been charged in a gang attack on former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson on the Upper East Side, according to police and reports.

Paterson, 70, and his stepson, Anthony Sliwa, 20, were walking on 2nd Avenue shortly after 8:30 p.m. Friday when they were involved in an argument with the group, according to police. While police did not identify Paterson or Sliwa in their report, a spokesperson for the former governor confirmed to the New York Times they were involved in the attack.

The New York Post reported late Saturday night that two teenagers, accompanied by their parents, turned themselves in to police in connection with the attack. A third teen who spoke to police was not charged as he did not attack either man, the report said.

Five suspects were being sought.

A New York Daily News report said Sliwa had argued with the same group of people earlier in the night when he found them trying to climb a nearby fire escape.

Police said the suspects struck both Paterson and Sliwa multiple times in the face and body before fleeing southbound on 2nd Avenue.

Both Paterson and Sliwa were taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center for treatment, police said.

Sean Darcy, a spokesman for Paterson, told the Times both men were sent home from the hospital early Saturday.

“The governor’s only request is that people refrain from attempting to use an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain,” Darcy said, adding the former governor was grateful for “the outpouring of support they have received from people across all spectrums.”

Police released the following descriptions of the accused attackers:

• The first individual is described as a female with a dark complexion and purple braids. She was last seen wearing light-colored pants, a dark-colored sweater and purple-and-black sneakers.
• The second individual is described as a male with a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, a black hoodie, a hat with the “New York Yankees” logo, light-colored jeans and light-colored sneakers.
• The third individual is described as a male with a light complexion. He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt, light-colored pants, light-colored slippers and a black sweater tied around his waist.
• The fourth individual is described as a male with a medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt with a graphic on it, black pants and light-colored shoes.
• The fifth individual is described as a male with a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a t-shirt with a graphic on it, a black sweatshirt, black pants and light-colored sneakers.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips on social media at @NYPDTips.