Teen pepper sprayed in Brooklyn, called ‘anti-ethnic’ name: NYPD

The NYPD hate crimes task force is searching for a woman who attacked a 15-year-old girl walking down Utrecht Avenue in Brooklyn last week. In an emailed statement, police said the assailant made “anti-ethnic” remarks.

The incident allegedly happened at 2 p.m. on Dec. 19 across the street from New Utrecht High School, officials said. Police said the teen was approached by an approximately 40-year-old woman who said an anti-ethnic remark, pepper sprayed her in the face and fled.

The teen refused medical treatment, according to the NYPD.

“We condemn this alleged attack and call on law enforcement authorities and public officials to do whatever they can to protect minority communities targeted by hate,” said Afaf Nasher, the executive director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which advocates for the rights of Muslims.

Authorities distributed photos of the alleged attacker, whom they described as having a light complexion. She was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and a blue backpack, according to police.