Wanted suspect made anti-Asian statements, tried to drag man off subway: NYPD

NEW YORK (WPIX) -- Police are searching for a man who tried to drag another man off the subway in Manhattan on Sunday while accusing him of having coronavirus, according to the NYPD.

The incident took place around 5:30 a.m. on a northbound No. 4 train between 33rd Street and 59th Street-Lexington Avenue, police said.

The suspect grabbed the 30-year-old victim by the wrist and shoulder and tried to remove him from the train while making anti-Asian statements and accusing him of being infected with COVID-19, according to the NYPD. The suspect ran off the train at 59th Street-Lexington Avenue, police said.

TRUE CRIME DAILY: Coronavirus-related crime coverage - TCD

Reported hate crimes targeting the Asian community in New York City have spiked since the coronavirus outbreak began, with more than 13 incidents investigated since March. NYPD Deputy Inspector Mark Molinari recently told PIX11 News the police department is also concerned that coronavirus-related attacks are being under-reported.