Two 12-year-old boys and a 13-year-old boy have been charged for a violent street attack last week on the former New York governor. According to officials, David Paterson’s 20-year-old stepson as well as other family members were involved in the street attack that occurred on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
According to the New York Police Department, two unidentified children were arrested on Saturday at 8 pm after turning themselves in along with their parents.
According to officials, a third child initially sought for the attack turned themselves in. However, he was not charged as officers determined that he was not involved.
The NYPD reports that the 12-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with second-degree gang assault, while the 13-year-old faces third-degree gang assault.
Sean Darcy stated that Paterson and his family, as well as Governor Paterson, were happy to learn that the suspects turned themselves in.
The NYPD reports that the attack occurred around 8:35 p.m. on Friday in Upper East Side Manhattan, near 96th Street.
NYPD stated that the attack began as a verbal confrontation between the suspects – a 70-year-old ex-governor, and his stepson. Initially, the police reported that up to five people were involved.
Paterson’s spokesperson stated that the suspects “had a prior interaction” (previous contact), with the victim’s stepson.
The police said that the suspects hit the victims on their face and body.
According to the spokesperson, Paterson and his stepson were able to repel their attackers. The suspects fled on foot.
The police said the investigation was still ongoing and that they may make more arrests.
The police said Paterson and his stepson were transported to the hospital in stable condition. The former governor’s spokeswoman has since released them.
Paterson served as the Governor of New York from 2008 to 2010. Paterson is the first African American Governor and the first legally blind governor in America.