New york police arrested a man at a homeless shelter on friday in connection with the random attack on Steve Buscemi which left the actor with a bruised face last week, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The NYPD had been searching for the suspect since last Wednesday's violent encounter in eastern Manhattan. Buscemi, 66, was walking near the intersection of E 27th Street and 3rd Avenue when an unprovoked man punched him in the face, officials said.
Law enforcement sources told police New York Post with which the suspect has been identified Clifton Williams, 50, was arrested at a homeless shelter in Chelsea.
Police were reportedly led to the location by the building's superintendent, who called to complain that Williams was allegedly harassing him about property that the suspect claimed was stolen.
An officer recognized Williams from surveillance video and reportedly pointed to an NYPD wanted poster, asking Williams, “Is this you?”
Williams, who was called an “a-hole” by other unhoused people at the shelter, admitted he was the wanted man, the Post reported. He was taken into custody, although the charges against him were not specified.
Officials had previously released photos of the suspect, whom they described as a “man with whom” [a] dark skin tone, wearing a dark-colored baseball-style cap, a blue t-shirt, black pants, white sneakers and a book bag in hand.
Surveillance footage shared by The mail Tuesday showed the man walking down the street, gesturing with his hands as he appeared to be mumbling something to himself. Shortly after he disappeared from view, he proceeded to hit the actor, according to police.
CBS New York also obtained video of Buscemi, a New York resident, looking at his cell phone moments before he was struck.
“He is doing well and appreciates everyone's well wishes,” Buscemi's rep continued. “Although it is incredibly sad for everyone that this happened while we were also walking the streets of New York.”
Buscemi was not the first Boardwalk Empire cast member to become the victim of a random attack in NYC.
RadarOnline.com reports this his last month HBO Co-star, Michael Stuhlbargwas attacked by a homeless man with a rock near Central Park on March 31. It reportedly happened around 7:45 p.m. as the actor was walking through the Upper East Side.
The suspect of this assault, identified as Xavier Israelwas quickly taken into custody as Stuhlbarg was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The reports come amid a wave of random violence in the city, including several others Real Housewives of New York alum Bethenny Frankel, claim to have suffered similar attacks. Frankel said she was leaving a bakery when a man ran up to her and punched her in the face.
