A 44-year-old man was severely burned in an unprovoked assault outside a restaurant in East Harlem on Monday evening, police reported. The attack occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. in front of Cravin Crispy on Park Avenue near East 116th Street.

According to authorities, the assailant approached Johnny Alacantra from behind carrying a steaming thermos and poured a hot liquid onto him without warning. Surveillance footage shows Alacantra standing in front of the restaurant, occupied with his phone while waiting for a takeout order, when the attacker suddenly doused him with the scalding substance before fleeing northbound on Park Avenue.

Alacantra sustained blistering burns on his face and neck and was transported by first responders to Harlem Hospital. Officials described his condition as stable. Police confirmed that Alacantra did not know the individual responsible for the assault.

The attacker remains at large. Law enforcement released an image showing a man with a goatee wearing a beanie, black jacket layered over a gray sweatshirt, black pants, and white sneakers.

Employees at Cravin Crispy said police returned to the scene Tuesday to investigate, noting that white residue from the liquid was still visible on the sidewalk. One staff member described the incident as “pretty bizarre,” highlighting the randomness of the attack.

Local residents expressed concern about safety following the incident. Tanya Leslie, who lives in East Harlem, said the attack is a reminder to remain vigilant and look out for one another in the community.

Authorities continue searching for the suspect and have asked anyone with information to come forward.