NYPD on the hunt for woman wanted for pepper-spraying Muslim teenager in Brooklyn
UPDATED ON: DECEMBER 27, 2023 / 11:38 PM EST / CBS NEW YORK
NEW YORK — The NYPD is investigating an attack on a Muslim teenager in Brooklyn. Officials say the suspect used anti-ethnic remarks right before the assault.
The victim said she’s scared to leave home alone after an encounter on Dec. 19 in Bensonhurst that police are investigating as a hate crime.
“At that moment I just really wanted my dad to be near,” 15-year-old Mahak Hussain said.
Still afraid to show her face, Hussain, who was wearing traditional hijab and abaya garb, said the suspect then pepper sprayed her in the face before running away. The teen said she saw the woman approaching, but wasn’t paying attention.
“I see a woman coming. She has a hood on. Her neck is covered. She had some of her face covered as well, and she’s just walking with her hand in her pocket,” Hussain said.
