HELL'S KITCHEN, Manhattan (WABC) — Police have arrested a suspect in the random attack on an 85-year-old man in Hell's Kitchen.
Marco Thomas, 29, of Manhattan, is charged with second-degree assault in connection with the attack.
The incident happened on Friday just before 5 p.m. in the 400 block of West 43rd Street, near 9th Avenue, when police say Thomas approached an 85-year-old man and punched him in the head.
“When I actually saw him on the floor covered in blood, it just broke my heart, because I'm a grandfather,” witness Juan Rivera said.
After the attack, police gathered on the corner, just steps away from David Kolikoff's fruit stand, a busy corner lined with delis, cafes and restaurants where Kolikoff said there are few surprises anymore.
“You know what else shocked me? A few weeks ago, someone was throwing stones here,” he said.
Korikov said the stone was thrown from a balcony of a nearby building and hit a customer in the neck at a fruit stand.
“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.
Shortly after the man was hit, a large group of people gathered on the same street corner. Unbeknownst to them, this attack could have happened to anyone.
“My husband is usually away at work, so I'm alone with my baby and dog, so I always carry pepper spray with me,” said Pam Gala, a Manhattan resident.
Some said increased police foot patrols and perhaps closer searches of the area could help.
The 85-year-old victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
Related Articles | Video shows 95-year-old grandmother being assaulted by home helper in Harlem
Jim Dolan reports from Harlem.
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