Homeless Man Assaults, Robs Woman On UWS: Police

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY – A 23-year-old woman was assaulted and robbed on the Upper West Side by a stranger on Monday morning near West 64th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed.

The woman was walking south on Amsterdam at about 6:30 a.m. when she was approached by a man whom she did not know, police said.

The man engaged the woman, who did not respond, according to authorities, before punching her in the face and causing her to fall to the ground. He then stole some of the victim’s belongings, including a cell phone, police said.

The woman was treated at the scene for her injuries, according to officials.

Arrest Made

At about 6:50 a.m., 46-year-old Avi Williams, a homeless man with no address, was picked up by the NYPD after a canvass, a police spokesperson told Patch. The victim was able to identify Williams, who was later charged with felony robbery, officials said.

The woman’s property was recovered, according to authorities.