Video: Teen with autism dragged off Manhattan subway train as youths gang up, punch him in face repeatedly while commuters watch

A 15-year-old boy with autism was dragged off a Manhattan subway train last week during the afternoon rush as youths ganged up and repeatedly punched him in the face while commuters watched.

What are the details?

The suspects yanked the victim from a northbound A train to the platform at the West 181st Street and Fort Washington Avenue subway station around 5:30 p.m. Friday, New York City police told WPIX-TV.

Image source: WABC-TV video screenshot

Image source: WABC-TV video screenshot

The victim was then punched multiple times in the face and body, authorities added to WPIX, noting that the attack left the victim with a bloody lip and broken glasses.

Image source: WABC-TV video screenshot

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident, WPIX said. Anti-black slurs were used, WABC-TV reported, adding that police are looking for two females and one male. No arrests have been made, WPIX said.

Image source: New York City Police

Victim's mother speaks out

The victim's mother didn't want to be identified for fear of her safety and her son's safety but told WABC she was aware that her son — who has high-functioning autism — had gone out for the evening. However, the mother added to the station she was shocked by a call from police saying her son was in a hospital far from their home in Queens.

"Keep a close eye on them," the mother warned other parents of teenagers, WABC said. "Because a lot of trouble could have been avoided had I done that."

The mother added to the station that her son needed stitches, but she's more concerned about the psychological and emotional damage the attack may have on him.

She added to WABC that her son doesn't know any of his attackers or why they beat him up.

Anything else?

Police said those with information about the incident can call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can be submitted by logging on the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

New York City Transit President Richard Davey called the video "heartbreaking and disturbing" in a statement, WABC noted.

"Our hearts are with the young man seemingly being senselessly victimized," Davey added, according to the station. "No one should be subject to this sort of hateful harassment while they are riding with New York City Transit, and the MTA is fully cooperating with the NYPD in its investigation into the incident."

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