Latino Radio Host Brutally Attacked in NY

Updated 12:55 a.m. Saturday, 20 Sept. 2008

Pelagio De La Cruz, co-host of radio show "Coneccion Hispanica" ("Hispanic Connection") for WESX 1230 AM, was brutally attacked over the weekend in New York City, where he remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The Chelsea, Mass., radio host may need reconstructive surgery.  In addition, he may lose an eye. 

According to WHDH-TV (channel 7) and other media in the Boston and New York City areas, surveillance video caught Mr. De La Cruz's assailant attacking him with a baseball bat at the entrance to a residential building.

Mr. De La Cruz's estranged wife and three children, whom he was visiting, live in the building.

The suspect, caught on the video, came up behind Mr. De La Cruz, then struck him repeatedly for more than one minute with the bat.  Shortly thereafter, a second suspect stole his wallet.

According to the New York Times, police said the two men apparently spotted Mr. De La Cruz on the street, before dawn, and followed him to the Davidson Avenue building in the Bronx.  They stole his money, gold chain and cellphone.

Mr. De La Cruz lay bleeding for 30 to 45 minutes before an entering resident of the building saw him and called 911.

Police told the New York Times on Sept. 19, 2008, that Mr. De La Cruz has been unconscious since the attack.

WESX, based in Chelsea, Mass., serves Brazilian and Latino communities.   The station was not available for comment at press time.

The New York Police Department is investigating Mr. De La Cruz's attack.  Anyone with information can call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers line at 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477). 

Spanish speakers can call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-57 PISTA (1-888-577-4782).

source:  EthnicNEWz.org

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