NYPD Seeks Suspect in Brutal Assault on Teen After Knicks Game

Police have released a photo of a man accused of assaulting a 17-year-old after a Knicks game in an assault that left the teen in a coma.

The New York Police Department shared a photo of the suspect in an X post on Friday and urged the public to come forward if they recognized him.

NYPD said the unidentified man is wanted for gang assault after allegedly punching and kicking the teen victim on West 35th Street after Wednesday night’s game.

The victim had a seizure and was left in a coma, according to police. The department didn’t elaborate on his condition further.

“I have no words for him,” the victim’s mother, Shiomara Arce, told The New York Post. “Right now my son comes first. This person needs to pay for what he’s done.”

She described the victim, her son Johnny, as “a Knicks fan” who is “always playing basketball in the neighborhood.”

The search for the suspect comes as the Knicks seek their first NBA championship in 53 years. They took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 107-106 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Police arrested at least 15 people after that game, and videos on social media appeared to show fans throwing eggs at Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as he entered his team's hotel.

"Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game," the NYPD wrote in a statement Thursday. "This demonstrates exactly why the NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden."

Game 5 is Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas. If necessary, Game 6 will be at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.