Staten Island Man Arrested Following Unprovoked UWS Assault: Police

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY – Hansel Esparragoza was arrested on Wednesday morning, police said, in connection with the Sept. 13 assault of an 81-year-old West Sider, Guela Levi Freeman.

The 37-year-old man attacked Freeman at about 7 p.m. near West 66th Street and Amsterdam Avenue., police said, approaching her from behind and punching her in what was apparently an unprovoked attack.

Esparragoza, who provided a Staten Island address, faces a felony assault charge in connection with the incident, according to officials.

Emergency responders transported Freeman, who had been walking her dog at the time of the attack, to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in stable condition, authorities said.

Chilling surveillance footage obtained by Fox 5 shows the moments before the assault. In an interview with the network, Freeman said she felt “lucky” to be alive.

Three days after the attack, however, the resilient West Sider was back out strolling with her dog.

“I’m not going to hide in my apartment,” she said.

Despite her injuries, Freeman said she wants her attacker to receive treatment, not jail time. “It was not against me,” she told Fox 5, “he’s sick.”

77-Year-Old Also Attacked

Melendez also approached the woman from behind, police said, before hitting her on the side of her face near her left eye.

The victim, who has not been identified, refused medical attention and went home, police said.

Melendez faces a felony assault charge, officials said.