After a report of an attack, the police launch an investigation into gender-based hate crime

ITHACA, NY — Ithaca police announced Tuesday they have launched a hate crime investigation involving an unidentified suspect who allegedly “made derogatory comments about the victim's gender identity,” according to a police department statement.

An unnamed person reported the attack two days after it occurred on August 19 and described the suspect as a “white male in his mid-20s to early 30s with curly black hair,” the statement said.

The suspect, who was last seen riding a black bicycle with wide tires and rounded handlebars, made the remarks around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 in the 100 block of Cascadilla Street. He then reportedly dismounted from the bicycle and physically assaulted the victim. He was wearing black sweatpants and a light-colored T-shirt, police said.

In an email to The Voice of IthacaIPD Captain Ted Schwartz said the department is investigating the case as a hate crime “due to statements the suspect made to the victim before and during the incident.”

Schwartz said the department would not release further details about the ongoing investigation.

Police urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the department via the dispatch center, administration, the tip line or by anonymous email.