Attack on Steve Buscemi: Clifton Williams was arrested in a random attack on a “Boardwalk Empire” actor in New York City

KIPS BAY, Manhattan – Police have arrested the man they were looking for after actor Steve Buscemi was punched in the face in a random attack in New York City.

New York police identified the man as 50-year-old Clifton Williams earlier this week. He was arrested by police officers in Chelsea on Friday.

Officers responded to a harassment call from a man yelling at people outside 260 11th Avenue in Manhattan shortly after 12:40 p.m

Buscemi, a 66-year-old Brooklyn native and current Manhattan resident, was struck in the face while walking on Third Avenue near 27th Street a week and a half ago.

Witnesses say Buscemi ran after his attacker.

Buscemi was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated for bruising, swelling and bleeding in his left eye.

On Sunday evening, his publicist released a statement that said, among other things:

“He’s doing well and appreciates everyone’s well wishes, although it’s incredibly sad for everyone that this happened while he was walking the streets of New York at the same time.”

Buscemi’s Boardwalk Empire co-star Michael Stuhlbarg was struck in the neck by a rock while walking in Manhattan’s Central Park on March 31. Stuhlbarg pursued his attacker, who was taken into custody outside the park.

Some information from Associated Press.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.