NEW YORK (PIX11) -- The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating after a man was punched in Manhattan by a man who made anti-gay statements.

Police say the 21-year-old victim was walking along West 48 Street between 8th and 9th avenues just after 4 a.m. September 14 when another male approached him, and without provocation, made anti-gay statements and punched him once in the back of the head.

The victim fell face first onto the pavement. He was taken to NYU Langone Medical Center, treated for his injuries and released.

The assault is being investigated as a hate crime.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male, approximately 25 years old, 5'10" and 180 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texted to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.