The NYPD released a sketch yesterday of a black-clad “Ninja slasher” who preys on gay men in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, and the city announced a $12,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
The sketch, showing a man with dark skin and short hair who wears a long, black coat, was issued as Brooklyn politicians and gay activists reacted with outrage to the latest attack. A 51-year-old social worker was slashed across the throat and stabbed in the chest and back Monday as he walked in the park’s Long Meadow – the fifth man to be attacked since June 28.
“This is clearly a bias-motivated crime,” said City Councilman Stephen DiBrienza. “It’s an unfortunate, outrageous and despicable attack.”
Bishop Zachary Jones of the Community Fellowship Church said the attacker, who sometimes makes Ninja movements, was “someone with a sick mind who decided to use gay men as a target.
“We need to send a message that in Brooklyn, we’re not going to stand for bias crimes,” he said.
The victim, whose name is being withheld by The Post, is in critical but stable condition at New York Methodist Hospital after undergoing surgery.
In his hospital room yesterday – with bruises on his head and slash marks clearly visible on his throat – the man was alert and talking, but declined to discuss his ordeal.
In contrast to the four previous attacks, which occurred between midnight and 4 a.m., Monday’s stabbing occurred in broad daylight.
It also took place half a mile away from where the other stabbings occurred, the Vale of Cashmere, a pickup spot for gay men.
Nevertheless, Inspector Barbara Sicilia, head of the hate-crimes task force, said police believe Monday’s slashing was carried out by the same assailant. “There are enough similarities,” she said.
Unlike in the previous attacks, the slasher was not masked. A witness to the stabbing was able to describe his face, allowing police to prepare the sketch.