MANHATTAN — A world-traveling surfer was arrested for punching a dog owner and fracturing his skull in a fight over the man's chihuahua, sources said.
Corey Pohan, 32, whose Facebook page touts his surf skills and fit physique, had stepped over Paul Martone's dog, Peanut, in Hell's Kitchen, sparking an argument between the two men at the corner of West 55th Street and Ninth Avenue about 6:30 p.m., sources and neighbors said.
Martone fell to the ground, fracturing his skull and possibly causing brain swelling, police said.
Martone was in critical condition at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell hospital, police said.
Pohan was taken into custody in New Jersey Wednesday night by the detectives of the Midtown North precinct, according to New Jersey State Police.
But he apparently had second thoughts at the Secaucus toll plaza of the New Jersey Turnpike.
Pohan jumped out of the car and climbed atop the 16E/18E tollbooth about 3:30 p.m., police said.
State troopers found him hiding on the roof of the toll plaza and arrested him for being a fugitive from justice and tresspassing, NJ State Police said.
He was held in the Hudson County Jail, awaiting extradition Thursday morning, the spokeswoman said.
Pohan's Facebook page is filled with action shots of himself surfing waves in places like Malaysia, Indonesia and Mexico. He says he spends winters surfing and summers in Manhattan.
In a recent birthday post he celebrated his fitness and lifestyle.
"I thank god that I am in the best shape of my life without a wife and so much opportunities for the future. For all my brothers who still have this life style we are so blessed," he continued.
"One thing I tell you is you got to be free!!" he said in another post.