TIMES SQUARE — A pair of "desnudas” punched a 70-year-old man in the face after he took a photo of one of them, the NYPD said.
The victim, from Brooklyn, had just snapped a photo of one of the performers, who make tips posing topless with tourists, in front of 1535 Broadway, between West 45th and 46th streets, around 5:30 p.m. Saturday when the two got into an argument, police said.
As the argument escalated, the performer started swinging at the man, cutting his left eye, cheek and forearms, the NYPD said.
Another desnuda, 18-year-old Tarrah Merill, also punched the man in the face, leaving him with several cuts, according to police and a complaint filed with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
“Why are you taking video of me?” Merill said at some point during the incident, according to the NYPD.
The unidentified desnuda fled southbound on Seventh Avenue after the attack, while Merill was arrested and charged with assault, police and the DA’s office said.
The 70-year-old refused medical attention at the scene, police said.
Merill was released on her own recognizance following the arrest and is expected to appear in court on Nov. 14, the DA’s office said.
Her attorney, Allen Farbman of the Legal Aid Society, said she had maintained her innocence.
“She’s not the one that assaulted the person — that’s what she’s saying,” he said.
