The random box-cutter attack on an Asian woman in Times Square was a hate crime, cops said Tuesday – as they busted and charged the suspect in the case.
Anthony Evans, 30 was allegedly caught on shocking video slashing the 59-year-old seamstress Sunday morning as she was walking along Seventh Avenue near West 42nd Street in Manhattan.
The 30-year-old suspect was arrested around 8:45 am Tuesday and now faces raps of assault as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon.
Police could not immediately say what specifically raised the case to hate-crime status.
The NYPD had released Evans’ photo Monday evening and named him as a suspect.
The victim – who has lived in the city for decades – was pulling a shopping trolley down the block when the suspect walked up behind her, raised the weapon in the air and slashed the blade down on her right hand, footage previously released by police shows .
Evans fled the scene afterward, cops said.
The victim’s 23-year-old daughter, who asked that her name not be used, told The Post on Monday that the assault left her mother “traumatized.
“It was a very violent event, a very violent thing to do,” the daughter said. “I wouldn’t wish this upon anybody — even my worst enemies.
“I hope it wasn’t for malicious reasons,” the daughter said.
“I just want to make sure that it’s clear that we don’t know what is the motivation behind the attack,” she added. “If it’s mental health-related, I hope [the suspect is] find and receive[s] the necessary treatment. If the perpetrator had malicious reasons, I hope they’re found and prosecuted.”
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