New York City attack: 85-year-old man hit in the head while walking through Hell's Kitchen

HELL'S KITCHEN, Manhattan (WABC) — An 85-year-old man was hospitalized after being hit in the head for no apparent reason while walking through Hell's Kitchen.

The incident happened on Friday just after 5 p.m. in the 400 block of West 43rd Street, near 9th Avenue.

“When I actually saw him lying on the floor covered in blood, it just broke my heart because I have a grandfather,” Juan Rivera said.

After the surprisingly casual raid, as police gathered around the corner, just a few steps from David Kolikoff's fruit stand, he says he's no longer so surprised.

“You know what else shocked me? A few weeks ago, someone was throwing stones here,” Korikov said.

He said the stone was thrown from a balcony of a nearby building and hit a customer at a fruit stall in the neck.

“I just want to have a normal day. I'm a hard-working person. I've been working here for over 10 years and I just want to do my job and take care of my customers,” he added.

A large group of people had gathered on the same street corner moments after the man was hit, and although they didn't know it, the attacker could have been one of them.

“My husband is usually at work so I'm alone with my baby and dog, so I carry pepper spray,” said Pam Gala, a Manhattan resident.

Some say the situation could be improved if police increased foot patrols and monitored the area more closely.

The 85-year-old man was taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.

No arrests have been made.

Related article | Fish falls from sky and damages couple's Tesla car in New Jersey

———-
* Delivering Eyewitness News
* More Manhattan news
* Send us your news tip
* Download the abc7NY app to receive breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube

Submit your tips and story ideas to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or idea for a story we should feature? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If you attach a video or photo, our terms and conditions apply.