(JTA) — Two young women were arrested in the assault of an elderly Jewish man in New York City.
The attack and arrests came early Sunday morning in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, the New York Daily News reported.
The victim was identified as Naftali Lebovits, 79, a well-known member of the local Orthodox Jewish community. He was treated in the hospital for minor injuries after being hit and knocked to the ground.
The women, aged 18 and 20, were charged with assault. They had tried to flee but were caught by police, who would not speculate on a motive.
The attack resembled so-called “knockout game” attacks in which the assailant tries to knock out an individual with one punch.
Several such attacks occurred late last year and at the beginning of this year in New York, as well as in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, other U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.