Former governor David Paterson assaulted by group on Upper East Side: NYPD

UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) –  Former New York Governor David Paterson and his stepson were assaulted by a group of people near their home on the Upper East Side Friday night, police say.

The 70-year-old former governor and his 20-year-old stepson were on Second Avenue when they got into an argument with five other people just after 8:30 p.m., according to authorities.

Officials say that’s when the group of five started attacking Paterson and the man with him, leaving them both with multiple injuries to the face.

"Governor Paterson and his stepson were attacked...while taking a walk around the block near their home by some individuals that had a previous interaction with his stepson. They both suffered some injuries but were able to fight off their attacker," said Sean Darcy a spokesperson for the Paterson.

Police are looking for five people between the ages of 18-years-old to 20-years-old in connection with the incident.

David Paterson served as the 55th governor of New York from 2008 to 2010 after serving as lieutenant governor under Eliot Spitzer. Paterson assumed the position as head of the state after Spitzer resigned amid accusations of using campaign funds for prostitution.

Paterson became the first African-American and legally blind governor of New York.