Two boys, just 12 and 13 years old, have been charged with gang assault after allegedly attacking former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson.
The boys turned themselves in to the police on Saturday night, October 5, accompanied by their parents, following the incident near Paterson’s apartment the previous day. Due to their age, the names of the boys have not been released. A third teenager also surrendered but has not been charged.
A spokesperson for Paterson commented, “Gov. Paterson and his family are relieved that the suspects have come forward. We hope this serves as a learning experience for those involved. The Governor appreciates the parents’ accountability and thanks the NYPD for their diligent efforts.”
The boys appeared in Manhattan Family Court on Sunday and were released to their families. They are expected back in court on November 6. One of the suspects’ fathers, after his son’s court appearance, told reporters, “I’m trying to protect my son,” without offering further comment.
Paterson, 70, who is legally blind, described the assault on Sunday, explaining how he and his 20-year-old stepson, Anthony Sliwa, were confronted by a group of around nine individuals after an earlier dispute between Sliwa and some of the attackers. Paterson and Sliwa were walking on Second Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Friday when the group confronted them, according to New York police.
Earlier in the evening, Sliwa had been walking his dog when he argued with three of the group members after seeing them climbing a fire escape. Later, when Paterson and Sliwa were heading to McDonald’s, they encountered the same group, now joined by several others. An argument ensued, during which a woman, believed to be in her 30s, threw the first punch at Sliwa, according to Paterson.
“This wasn’t just a case of young people misbehaving,” Paterson said.
Sliwa, who was preparing to test for his purple belt in martial arts, fought back but was soon overwhelmed by the larger group. Paterson himself sustained some bruises and was punched in the shoulder, but managed to throw one of the attackers against a McDonald’s window. Sliwa suffered a cut to his lip that required five stitches, along with bruises.
The NYPD has since released surveillance footage of five suspects in hopes of identifying them. It is not yet clear if the arrested boys are among those captured in the footage. The investigation is ongoing.
