While police are still searching for a man who slashed a teenage girl in Whitestone, one elected official is helping the victim get back on her feet.
State Assemblyman Ron Kim is creating a special fund to help pay the 16-year-old's medical expenses.
The exchange student from China had only been in the country 8 months when a masked man slashed her face with a box cutter on December 16th.
After the attack, Kim helped raise money to fly the victim's mother to the U.S. from China. He says he hopes to have a fund set up by the end of this week.
“When we asked the student, the teenager, ‘what do you want to do? I know this is shocking; it's only been a week. Do you want to go back to your country to be reunited with your family?’ And without hesitation she said, ‘no, I came here to study. I want a better life for myself,’” said Kim.
Police say the suspect was wearing a surgical mask and gloves. They're offering a $2,500 reward for information on the attack.
If you have anything to share with police, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).