Teen charged in alleged attack on BMW in cell phone video

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday following footage posted on social media that showed a group of teens attacking a BMW SUV that was parked at an intersection in New York City.

Police said that the incident took place around 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to a local NBC News affiliate.

A 36-year-old man, who asked to be identified as Max, appeared to drive the SUV to the intersection and stopped to allow the group to pass. The group then allegedly began to attack the vehicle, smashing the side view mirrors, punching the driver side window and throwing a bicycle into the hood of the car. 

NYC: Your @NYPDDetectives need your help to identify these individuals.

This shocking & violent attack occurred yesterday (12/29) at the intersection of East 21st St & 5th Ave, Manhattan. This is your city, it’s your call!

Anyone w/ info please call ☎️ @NYPDTips at 800-577-TIPS pic.twitter.com/8SgAR4L7Jr

— Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) December 30, 2020 

The New York Police department placed a 15-year-old in custody in connection to the incident on charges of riot and criminal mischief. Officials said they have identified others present during the attack and are working toward making other arrests as well.

Max told the outlet he and his mother were in the vehicle at the time of the attack and they feared for their safety.

“I said let them destroy the car, let them take their anger out on the car, we’re safe in the car,” he told NBC News.

The group eventually fled the scene after about $250 in damage was done to the vehicle, according to the outlet.

“How nobody noticed 50 bicycles going through major intersections along Fifth Avenue and alerted anybody to try to prevent it,” Max said. “Where did we fail in society to let them get to that point and what can we do to fix things.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio weighed in on the episode, describing it as “absolutely unacceptable.” He also said “there will be consequences,” during his COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, NBC News reported.