Alleged puncher charged in NYC

Emily Rahhal and Video: Justin Finch

24 mins ago

MANHATTAN, NY (PIX11) – Assault charges have been filed against a man accused of punching two strangers, one of them actor Steve Buscemi, within just 10 minutes, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Tuesday.

Prosecutors say the spectacular attacks by 50-year-old Clifton Williams in Gramercy and Kips Bay were unprovoked. Williams, who authorities say is homeless, was arrested on May 17 and held on bail.

“No one should fear for their safety when walking through Manhattan, and those who threaten or injure pedestrians will be held accountable,” Bragg said in a statement Tuesday.

Prosecutors said the violence began around 11:30 a.m. on May 8, when Williams punched a 22-year-old man in the face on the sidewalk near the corner of East 15th Street and Third Avenue.

He then struck a 66-year-old man near Third Avenue and East 27th Street, prosecutors said.

“Steve Buscemi was attacked in Midtown Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city,” Buscemi’s press secretary said in an earlier statement. “He is doing well and grateful for everyone’s well wishes.”

The alleged attacker pleaded not guilty in court – but court records show that he confessed to officers when shown photos and surveillance videos of the victims.

According to court documents, Williams is expected back in court in August.