Suspect in random NYC attack on Steve Buscemi hit with assault charges; arraignment pending

Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News
·1 min read
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NEW YORK — The homeless man accused of punching “Reservoir Dogs” actor Steve Buscemi was hit with assault charges following his arrest, cops said Saturday.

Suspect Clifton Williams’ arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was expected to happen Saturday, officials said.

Williams, 50, was taken into custody on second degree assault charges Friday for slugging the “Boardwalk Empire” star as he walked on Third Ave. near E. 27th St. in Kips Bay on May 8.

Cops located Williams as they responded to an unrelated argument in the street near the corner of W. 26th St. and 11th Ave. in Chelsea Friday morning. Williams was one of the men in the dispute, and he was quickly recognized by responding officers, a police source with knowledge of the case said.

Williams said nothing as he was escorted out of the 13th Precinct and brought to court Friday afternoon. It was not immediately disclosed how cops identified Williams as the attacker.

Following the attack, Buscemi was taken to Bellevue Hospital and treated for swelling and bruising to his left eye.

“Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city,” Buscemi’s publicist said in a statement after the assault.