MANHATTAN (VINnews) – A suspect wanted in connection with two reported hate crime assaults in Midtown Manhattan, including a suspected syringe attack on an Orthodox Jewish man, has been taken into custody, according to Manhattan Shomrim, which announced the arrest Saturday night.

The attack occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday near West 47th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s Diamond District, an area frequented by workers, shoppers and visitors.

The victim, identified only as Yosef at his request, has since been released from the hospital and returned to the scene of the attack. He has also spoken publicly about the incident but asked that his full name not be published.

Police said the 26-year-old victim was approached from behind and stabbed with an unknown sharp object. He told investigators he believed the object was a needle or syringe.

Shomrim credits public tips in arrest

In its Saturday night announcement, Manhattan Shomrim credited the efforts of its members working alongside the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, as well as its partners at Crown Heights Shomrim and Queens Shomrim. The organization also thanked members of the public whose tips to its hotline helped authorities locate the suspect.

The arrest followed a coordinated effort to identify and locate the individual wanted in connection with Wednesday’s two reported assaults.

Manhattan Shomrim did not release further details about the suspect in its announcement.

The case has raised concern among Jewish community members in New York City, underscoring ongoing worries about antisemitic incidents and the safety of visibly Jewish residents in public spaces.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about the suspect, potential charges or the circumstances of the arrest.