Chou Ya insulted an Asian woman and then snatched her phone, 2 suspects are on the run_1
On September 28, a 25-year-old Asian woman fell victim to a mobile phone robbery in downtown Brooklyn, where she was subjected to racial slurs by two suspects. According to police reports, one of the perpetrators verbally assaulted her as a distraction, while the other swiftly grabbed her phone before both fled the scene. Authorities have released surveillance footage and are actively investigating the suspects’ identities and locations, urging any witnesses to step forward with information.
The incident unfolded around 3 PM at the intersection of Fulton Street and Willoughby Street. One suspect approached the young woman and began verbally harassing her, creating a diversion that allowed the second suspect to steal her phone, resulting in minor injuries. The victim was subsequently treated at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn and is currently reported to be in stable condition.
The 84th Precinct has released surveillance images of one suspect, who was seen wearing a beige knitted jacket and has a butterfly tattoo on his left hand; unfortunately, the second suspect was not captured on camera. Police are calling on the public for tips and confirmed that the Hate Crime Task Force is now involved in the investigation.
A 2024 study by the Asian American Foundation shows that 32% of Asian individuals reported experiencing verbal discrimination in the past year, while 57% felt unsafe because of their race. Furthermore, 40% believe they are at a heightened risk of being targeted due to their ethnicity.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477), visit www.nypdcrimestopper.com, or reach out to @NYPDTips on X (formerly Twitter). Tips can also be provided through the CS-NYC mobile app, ensuring anonymity for those who wish to come forward.
