Brooklyn robbery investigated as hate crime

NEW YORK - Police were investigating the robbery of a man's religious headgear as a hate crime.

It happened on Friday evening in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.  The NYPD says a 27-year-old man was wearing traditional Hasidic attire and was in the area of Wallabout St. and Marcy Ave. when he was approached from behind.

The man had his Shtreimel, a fur hat worn by some Jewish men, mainly members of Hasidic Judaism, on Shabbat, stolen from his head.  Police said it has a value of about $8,000.

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The man was then seen running down Walton Ave.

Police released a video of the man wanted for questioning.  He is 5'7" to 5'10", 125 pounds, and was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.

Anyone with information was asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.  Police say all calls are confidential.