Police have arrested two teenage boys suspected of assaulting former New York Governor David Paterson and his 20-year-old son-in-law.
The assault on the 70-year-old former governor occurred Friday night while he and his son-in-law Anthony Chester Sliwa, the son of Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, were walking their dog in Manhattan.
“Five unidentified individuals confronted Mr. Patterson and Mr. Sliwa and began an altercation, which police say escalated into a physical assault, leaving the former governor with head injuries and his son-in-law with more serious facial injuries. Patterson and his son-in-law were treated at a local hospital. noticed Fox News.
Patterson is legally blind and served as governor of the Empire State from 2008 to 2010. said According to FreedomNews.TV, the encounter began when his son-in-law confronted three young men climbing a fire escape in their neighborhood. The three young men allegedly escalated the situation when Sliwa threatened to call the police if he did not climb out.
“They came down, he had a relationship with one of them and that was kind of the end of it,” Patterson said.
Patterson said her stepson then encountered the teens and their friends on Second Avenue, where the aggression further escalated. As Sliwa was arguing with the teens, two other adults intervened and a fight ensued, Patterson said.
“The kids didn't start the fight,” Patterson said. “They were arguing, and when the fight started, everyone joined in.”
Patterson was reportedly punched “in the face several times” and in the shoulder.
“The person who hit me in the shoulder threw me at the McDonald's window,” Patterson said.
Police arrested two children, ages 12 and 13, on suspicion of third-degree gang assault.
Sean Darcy, a spokesman for the former Democratic governor, told Fox News that the former governor hopes people don't use the violence for political purposes.
“The governor's only request is that people refrain from attempting to exploit this unfortunate act of violence for personal or political gain,” Darcy said. “He and his wife Mary are grateful to the police for their quick response and for the tremendous support they have received from people from all walks of life.”
