A disturbing, seemingly random attack left a 71-year-old man injured after he was struck in the face with a shovel during a snowstorm in Brooklyn, NY police said.
The violent assault unfolded around 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 near Stryker Court and West 1st Street in the Gravesend neighborhood. Authorities say the suspect silently crept up behind the elderly victim and suddenly smashed him in the head with a shovel — without warning or provocation.
After the blow, the attacker took off on foot, fleeing in an unknown direction as snow continued to fall across the city.
Emergency responders rushed the injured man to NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island, where he was listed in stable condition.
The suspect remains at large. The New York Police Department released surveillance images of the individual in hopes that someone will recognize him and come forward with information.
Anyone with tips related to the attack is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish speakers can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online or through @NYPDTips on X.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.