FINANCIAL DISTRICT — A man was attacked by a panhandler just steps from New York Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital after he refused to hand over money, police said.
The 46-year-old victim said he was walking back to his office at about 11:30 a.m. on June 30 when he was approached by a man asking for money outside of 83 Gold Street.
When the man refused, the panhandler began "cursing and threatening" and said he would "shoot and kill" the victim, police said.
The victim, fearing for his safety, said he then attempted to push the panhandler out of his way, but the man became violent. The panhandler began to repeatedly punch the victim, leaving him with bruises and scratches on his head and body, police said.
The attacker fled after several minutes.
Police were still investigating the incident.
