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Man arrested in New York in connection with string of hate crimes against Asian women

Ted Shaffrey/AP

FILE - In this July 1, 2020, file photo, a face mask covers the mouth and nose of one of the iconic lion statues in front of the New York Public Library Main Branch in New York. New York City's public libraries will no longer charge late fees and will waive existing fines for overdue books and other materials, city officials announced Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

By: The Associated Press & Scripps National

Posted

NEW YORK — A 28-year-old man who is unhoused has been charged with hate crimes after a string of unprovoked attacks on women of Asian descent in New York City.

Steven Zajonc was arrested Wednesday in connection with assaults on seven women in different Manhattan neighborhoods over a two-hour period on Sunday.

The victims were all women of Asian descent ranging in age from 19 to 57.

According to WABC-TV, police say all of the incidents occurred Sunday between 6:30 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. ET. The suspect allegedly attacked the women with punches and elbows in "unprovoked attacks." Police say that all seven women suffered either "swelling and redness, lacerations or other minor injuries."

WNBC-TV reports that the suspect was arrested at the New York Public Library on Wednesday after he briefly barricaded himself in a bathroom.

Zajonc was arrested on seven counts each of assault as a hate crime, attempted assault as a hate crime, aggravated harassment and harassment.

It's not clear whether he has an attorney who can comment on the charges.

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