Last night a group of four individuals on bicycles struck a faculty member and then a student near the Meyer Building before riding off towards Washington Square Park.
The incident happened around midnight. The bicycle riders, without warning or provocation, punched the faculty member, who had just exited the Meyer building, in the head from behind; he was knocked to the ground but was not seriously physically injured. Immediately thereafter, one of the riders rapidly rode towards a nearby student who witnessed the incident involving the professor; the rider slapped the student, and rode off in the direction of the park; the student likewise was not seriously physically injured.
The riders were described as male-presenting; three were described as dark complected, one was described as light complected.
The University is actively reviewing the incident but does not at this time have indications of similar incidents. We alerted the local police precinct and are seeking to learn of any similar incidents of which the precinct may be aware. We will also be in touch with the Parks Department’s Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) personnel. And we will be alerting Campus Safety Officers to the incident so they can be on heightened alert for similar incidents.
If any members of the University witnessed the incident or has information relating to it, we urge them to come forward and contact the Department of Campus Safety at 212-998-2222.