Police in New York say a passenger riding a bus in the Bronx this week is accused of slashing two other women who attempted to pet the suspect’s service dog.
According to WPIX, the alleged victims, ages 20 and 22, were riding on the MTA bus on Monday afternoon.
As they traveled near the intersection of Morris Avenue and East 149th Street shortly after 2 p.m., they say they were cut with an unknown item.
One of the women said she was “sliced” on her face because she “went to go touch a dog.”
The woman said she was not aware the dog was a service animal when she attempted to approach it.
Police released surveillance footage picturing the woman they believe was responsible for the attack. She is described as standing about 5 feet 7 inches tall and wearing glasses. The suspect is believed to be between 30 and 35 years old.
Reports show she was last known to be wearing a dark baseball cap, dark pants and coat, a black purse and black-and-white shoes. Her dog is described as small and white.
Evidence indicates she left the scene in a taxi — a green SUV — heading west on East 149th Street.
The two younger women were transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries that including a laceration on the 20-year-old’s arm and multiple cuts to the 22-year-old’s face and head.
Police are asking for tips as they attempt to track down the suspect. Anyone with information can contact New York Police Department Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, texting 274637 and using the code TIP577, or visiting NYPDCrimeStoppers.com. A Spanish-language line is available at 1-888-57-PISTA.
[Featured images: video screenshot, New York Police Department]