Former New York Governor Paterson and his stepson were attacked while walking in Manhattan

Former New York Gov. David Paterson and his stepson were attacked while walking in Manhattan on Friday by assailants who had “a previous interaction” with the stepson, a spokesman for Paterson said.

Paterson, 70, and his adult stepson both went to a hospital as a precaution after the attack on Second Avenue in East Harlem, according to Paterson spokesman Sean Darcy and the New York Police Department.

“Governor Paterson and his stepson were attacked while walking around the block near their home this evening by several individuals who had previously interacted with his stepson,” Darcy said in a statement.

“Both suffered some injuries but were able to defend themselves against their attackers,” Darcy said.

Paterson served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Eliot Spitzer and took over as governor in March 2008 after Spitzer resigned midway through his term following a prostitution scandal. Paterson served the remainder of his term until the end of 2010. He did not seek re-election.

A police report was filed, Darcy said.

Police said when officers arrived, Paterson had injuries to his head and another man had injuries to his face. Both are in stable condition.

No arrests have been made in the attack, which is currently under investigation, police said.