Autistic Man Dies After Altercation Outside Harlem Disability Center
Authorities are awaiting the medical examiner's report to determine the cause of death.
An autistic man, 33, died after an altercation with an employee outside a disability center in Harlem on Friday. The incident occurred at Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC) on East 129th Street shortly before 5:45 p.m.
The man allegedly attacked a 54-year-old female staffer at the center. When police arrived, they found the man unresponsive and restrained by staffers. He was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The staffer involved in the incident was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
QSAC is a non-profit organization with multiple locations in New York City that offers support services for individuals with autism. The circumstances leading up to the fight remain unclear.
The identity of the deceased man is being withheld pending notification of his family. The city's medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of his death.