A man waiting outside an East Harlem restaurant had his back to the sidewalk when another man walked up behind him carrying a cup or container that appeared to be steaming.
Surveillance video shows the approaching man tipping the container toward the victim and pouring its contents over him before immediately running away. The victim was left with severe burns to his face and neck.
The attack happened Monday night near Park Avenue and East 116th Street, outside Cravin Crispy. NBC New York reported that the victim was waiting for an order when he was attacked.
Police told the station that the two men did not know each other. What was inside the container — and why the victim was targeted — remained unknown Wednesday.
From Behind
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The surveillance video captures only a few seconds of the encounter. The victim is facing the restaurant and looking down when the other man approaches from behind.
A visible cloud of steam or vapor rises from the container before its contents are thrown. The attacker then turns and runs.
NBC reported that restaurant workers later pointed out a white residue left on the sidewalk. Police had not determined what the substance was.
Oscar Perez, who works at Cravin Crispy but was not there when the attack occurred, told the station that police returned Tuesday and spoke with workers about what happened.
No Clear Reason
The victim told police he did not know the man who attacked him, according to NBC. That left investigators without an obvious relationship between the two men that could explain what the video shows.
The New York Post reported, citing police, that the attacker fled north on Park Avenue after the assault.
First responders took the victim to Harlem Hospital. The Post reported that he was listed in stable condition despite burns to his face and neck.
The two outlets gave conflicting ages for the victim, with NBC reporting he was 40 and the Post reporting he was 44. His exact age is therefore omitted here pending a direct police source.
Still Unidentified
Police had not identified the attacker as of Wednesday afternoon.
The Post reported that police released a surveillance image showing a man wearing a beanie, a black jacket over a gray sweatshirt, black pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information can submit a tip through the NYPD Crime Stoppers portal or call 1-800-577-TIPS.
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