NEW YORK CITY — Two men have been arrested in connection with a hate crime attack on a black woman in Manhattan last week, police said on Thursday.
Michael A. Santiago, 31 and Michael James, 33, have been charged with attempted assault as a hate crime, criminal mischief as a hate crime, three counts of aggravated harassment, attempted assault, menacing as a hate crime, criminal mischief, arson, menacing and criminal tampering.
The two men approached a 54-year-old woman near West 26th Street and Seventh Avenue on Feb. 19. One man began talking to her and tried to lean in and kiss her. The woman pushed her the man away and the suspect began making anti-Black statements.
As the woman attempted to walk away, the two men blocked her from leaving. One of the suspects then pulled out a lighter and set her boots on fire, according to police.
The woman ran away, while the two men remained at the scene.
An investigation remains ongoing. Defense attorney information for the two men was not readily available.