A Manhattan 7-Eleven worker became the city’s last victim of an anti-Asian crime – with his assailant spitting out, “You Chinese son of a bitch!” when he punched him, the police said on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Asian victim was working at the Manhattan convenience store just before 6 am on Saturday, when her assailant came in without a mask, shouted racial slur and punched him, police said.
Police said the victim, who was cut under his left eye, had already confronted the suspect after he allegedly tried to steal goods.
Police said the attack was initially not being classified as a hate crime because the attack was caused by “a previous theft and dispute”.
But the department said on Sunday that it was being investigated as a crime of prejudice.
There were no arrests.
The city has been plagued by a series of anti-Asian attacks in recent weeks, forcing the NYPD to relocate some policemen to reduce crimes.