A “person of interest” is in custody in connection with the sucker punch attack that injured actor Steve Buscemi on Third Avenue in Manhattan last week, the New York Police Department said.
The 66-year-old former “Boardwalk Empire” and “Sopranos” star suffered a black eye and a bleeding wound in the May 8 ambush, police said.
They had previously identified 50-year-old Clifton Williams as a suspect in the case, but did not confirm Friday that he was the one arrested.
“There is one person of interest in custody at this time,” an NYPD spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Police sources said that while Buscemi was being treated at a hospital, Williams fled Manhattan in a changed condition.
Suspect of assault on actor Steve Buscemi identified
The New York City Police Department has identified Clifton Williams, 50, as the suspect in the beating of actor Steve Buscemi in Manhattan last week. (Fox 5 New York)
“Steve Buscemi was assaulted in midtown Manhattan, becoming the latest victim of random acts of violence in the city,” a spokesperson for the actor earlier told Fox News Digital. “I’m grateful that he’s OK and wishes everyone well, but it’s incredibly sad for everyone that something like this happened.” [him] While walking through the streets of New York. ”
The attack occurred around noon on May 8th. A man in blue approached and punched him in the face, causing the actor’s left eye to swell and bleed.
In the photo, he was seen with his black eyes hidden behind sunglasses as he returned to work on a movie set in the city.
Actor Steve Buscemi left bloodied and bruised in New York City assault as police assailant
Witnesses told ABC TV’s New York bureau that Buscemi, a retired firefighter who had visited Ground Zero after 9/11 to volunteer with his former battalion, was attacked in a surprise attack. After that, he chased the culprit.
Steve Buscemi attends the world premiere of Peacock’s ‘Bapkiss’ at the Apollo Theater on April 27, 2023 in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Police released surveillance images showing Williams, wearing a blue shirt and sweatpants and carrying a backpack, standing near the crime scene.
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In March, fellow “Boardwalk” star Michael Stulberg was also randomly attacked in Manhattan. Someone threw a stone at him from behind.
In this case, he detained his assailant until the NYPD arrived.
