He Went to Celebrate a Basketball Win. Now Police Hunt the Man Who Put Him in a Coma.
New York police search for a suspect after a group attack near Madison Square Garden left a 17-year-old boy fighting for his life.
A night of celebration should never end in a hospital. For one family, a sports win turned into a nightmare when their teenage son did not come home.
On June 10, 2026, the New York Knicks won a major game. Thousands of happy fans poured onto the streets near Madison Square Garden to celebrate.
Around 11:45 p.m., a crowd gathered on West 35th Street. Police say a group of people attacked a 17-year-old boy.
The attackers punched and kicked the teen. The beating was so bad that the boy had a seizure and fell into a coma. He has since woken up and is expected to live.
What the evidence shows
- The attack happened at 11:45 p.m. on West 35th Street near Madison Square Garden.
- One 17-year-old boy suffered punches, kicks, a seizure, and a coma.
- Police released a photo of one man they want to find.
- People online named a rapper from Connecticut as the man in the photo.
- Tips have been sent to the New York Police Department.
The Bigger Question
How does a happy crowd turn into a violent mob so fast? Sports wins bring out great joy, but they can also bring out anger.
Get help from someone local. Text HELP to (805) 719-7630 and we'll set up a time to talk that works for you.
We need to ask how cities can keep young fans safe when crowds take over the streets after a big game.
The Other Side
The man in the photo has not been arrested or charged in court. Social media users have named a rapper from Connecticut, but police have not confirmed his name.
At this time, the link between the rapper and the crime rests on tips about a neck tattoo.
What Happens Now
Police are still looking for the man in the photo. They also want to find the other people who joined in the beating.
For regular fans, this means you will likely see more police on the street after the next big game.
What We Still Don't Know
- What started the fight in the crowd?
- Who else took part in the group attack?
- Will the man in the photo turn himself in?