Woman’s boots set on fire by two men after she refused kiss in Manhattan
A woman’s boots were destroyed after two men – one wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat – set them on fire while making racist remarks after she refused to kiss one of them in Manhattan, police said Wednesday.
Police have released surveillance footage of the two suspects and are asking for the public’s help in finding them.
The 54-year-old victim was approached by the suspects, who began a conversation with her at West 26th Street and Seventh Avenue in Chelsea around 2:50 p.m. on February 19, police said.
While they were talking, one of the men leaned in to kiss her and the woman pushed him away, leading the suspect to make anti-black statements, according to law enforcement.
The woman was trying to get out when the men stopped her and then took out a lighter with which they ignited her boots, police said.
The victim was not injured in the arson, but his boots worth $89 were destroyed, police said.
The arson is being investigated by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.
