Former Gov. David Paterson and his stepson found themselves in a violent altercation with teenagers on the streets of Manhattan.
At a Glance
- Two teens were arrested for assaulting former NY Gov. David Paterson and his stepson.
- The incident escalated after Paterson’s stepson confronted teens climbing a fire escape.
- Paterson and his stepson sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
- Paterson urges against politicizing the incident, commending the police’s response.
Unexpected Violence on Manhattan’s Streets
Police arrested two teenage boys, aged 12 and 13, for assaulting former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson, Anthony Chester Sliwa, on the Upper East Side. The boys face charges of gang assault, with the 12-year-old facing second-degree charges and the 13-year-old charged with third-degree assault. The fray began with Sliwa’s reprimand of the teens as they climbed a fire escape, leading to both Sliwa and Paterson being attacked during an ensuing street brawl.
Paterson and Sliwa were walking their dog when the teens and additional people, including adults, emerged and initiated the assault outside a McDonald’s. Sliwa required five stitches to his lip due to injuries sustained in the fight. The altercation, originally verbal, culminated in a physical confrontation later on Second Avenue. This led to Paterson being punched in the face and shoulder but retaliated by defending himself against one of the attackers.
Police Swiftly Respond; Suspects in Custody
The swift police response led to the arrest of the two teenagers less than 24 hours after the incident. The adolescents turned themselves in at the 23rd Precinct, accompanied by their parents, demonstrating accountability. Paterson applauded the suspects and their families for cooperating with the authorities and thanked the NYPD for their diligent efforts to resolve the case promptly. Despite the distressing nature of the incident, the police’s response served as a reminder of the community’s need for order and justice.
“Governor Paterson and his family are glad to see the suspects turned themselves in. We hope that the young people involved learn something from this unfortunate encounter.”
Paterson expressed gratitude not only towards the police but also towards the children’s parents for ensuring their children faced the consequences of their actions. This reaction reaffirms the belief in parental responsibility and the importance of guiding adolescents towards more constructive behavior, especially during tumultuous events such as this.
Community Support and Resolution
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of youthful misjudgment and urban unrest. Paterson’s spokesperson emphasized that the encounter should not become a political issue, reminding society of the importance of learning from this incident. The hope remains that all parties involved understand the severity of their actions and the need for a harmonious community, and that they use this experience as a lesson for future generations.
“The kids didn’t start the fight,” Paterson said. “They were arguing. Then, when the fight started, everyone got into the fight.”
Despite the unfortunate series of events, the resolution and clear intentions expressed by Paterson and his family may help pave the way for healing and understanding, encouraging community support. The quick reaction from the authorities and the cooperation between those involved were crucial to addressing the incident swiftly and effectively.
Sources
1. Teens arrested on gang assault charges in attack on former NY governor
2. Teens arrested in NYC for attack on former NY Gov. David Paterson, his stepson
