Disturbing new video shows a violent confrontation by an apparent stranger in New York City that left the victim in critical condition with a brain bleed, WNYW-TV reports.
In the footage, which the NYPD released on Wednesday, a 52-year-old man carrying a backpack can be seen exiting the Fuego Tipico Restaurant in the Fordham Heights neighborhood around 10:45 p.m. Friday and then stopping by a group of people outside.
Apparently following the 52-year-old, a balding man subsequently left the restaurant wearing a black T-shirt and black pants.
The recording shows that the second man then put on gloves and punched the 52-year-old from behind. The punch struck the victim on the right side of his face, which destabilized him and caused him to fall to the sidewalk, where he hit his head.
“[T]he victim exited the restaurant, stopped and observed several individuals talking, at which time an unidentified individual exited the restaurant put on a pair of gloves and positioned himself behind the victim,” NYPD said in a press release, according to the television station.
Investigators said there is no indication that the men knew each other, and there was no apparent interaction between the two individuals before the assault, according to WPIX-TV.
However, following the punch, the attacker seemed to say something to the group of people who were gathered outside the diner on the sidewalk.
The attacker then walked back inside the restaurant and later fled from the area.
Police officers who responded to the scene found the victim unresponsive with what appeared to be trauma to his head.
Medics transported him to Jacobi Medical Center and he is being treated for multiple injuries, including a skull fracture, broken cheekbone and bleeding inside the brain.
As of Wednesday, the victim was reportedly in critical condition, although he was stable.
The attacker, who has not yet been caught, appeared to have a medium complexion and medium build.
To report information about the case, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-8477or visit crimestoppers.NYPDonline.org. For Español, call 888-577-4782.
