Upper East Side Attack: Two boys arrested for attacking former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson in Manhattan, New York

UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) – Two boys were arrested for attacking former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson on the Upper East Side.

The boys, aged 12 and 13, were charged with gang assault after they turned themselves in at a police station with their parents. A third child also turned himself in but was not charged after officers determined he was not involved.

“Governor Paterson and his family are pleased that the suspects turned themselves in,” Paterson spokesman Sean Darcy said. “We hope that the young people involved learn something from this unfortunate encounter.”

According to police, the attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. Friday in front of 1871 2nd Avenue.

According to Darcy, the former governor and his stepson Anthony Sliwa were attacked while walking around the block near their home after several people had previous contact with Sliwa. After a verbal argument, five suspects punched both victims in the face and around the body, police said.

Sliwa is the son of former Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, Darcy said.

The suspects fled the scene on foot heading south on Second Avenue.

Paterson and his stepson were taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center in stable condition. They were both released from hospital early Saturday morning after being treated for their injuries.

“The governor’s only request is that people desist from attempting to exploit an unfortunate act of violence for their own personal or political gain. He and his wife Mary are grateful for the police's quick response time and the outpouring of support they have received.” “I've received from people of all spectrums,” Darcy said after Paterson and Sliwa were released from the hospital.

Following his release, the former governor, who is legally blind, spoke to the media near his home on Saturday afternoon. He spoke about the courage his stepson showed during the attack.

“I think he should be very proud of himself because when he saw them attacking me, he intervened,” Paterson said.

Two suspects are still at large in connection with the attack.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

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