Suspect ID'd in chair attack at NYC restaurant
NEW YORK -- The NYPD has identified the suspect caught on video smashing a chair over the heads of two men at a barbeque restaurant in New York City earlier this month, reports CBS New York.
Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce identified the suspect as Bayna El-Amin. He remains at large.
"He is a career criminal," Boyce told the station. "We believe he has fled the state."
A witness posted video of the May 5 assault at the Dallas BBQ restaurant in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood on YouTube and Instagram. The male suspect can be seen in the video pushing victim Jonathan Snipes to the ground and kicking him. Then, after Snipes' boyfriend pulls him away, the suspect can be seen raising a wooden chair and slamming it over the head of both men.
Snipes told CBS New York they were out to dinner when a drink spilled, and the suspect, who was sitting at another table, allegedly made an anti-gay slur before attacking them.
The incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Anyone with any information about the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).