Cornell University Police today have arrested Viktor P. Nikulin, 19, of Ithaca, for the June 5 assault incident. Nikulin was arraigned this evening in Ithaca City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Nikulin, who is not a Cornell student, was charged with assault in the third degree.

On June 5, the Cornell police responded to an assault along West Avenue, in the area of Mennen Hall. An Asian male said that had been riding his bicycle along Campus Road when he was approached by persons, in a vehicle, yelling racial epithets out the window at him. They followed him onto West Avenue where the cyclist dismounted. One of the vehicle's occupants assaulted him. The victim was transported to Cayuga Medical Center for his injuries where he was treated and released.

The case will be referred to the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office to determine if it meets the statutory requirements to support upgrading the assault charge to a hate crime.