Staten Island Man Charged In Unprovoked UWS Assault: DA

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY – Hansel Esparragoza, a 37-year-old Staten Island man, faces charges of second- and third-degree assault in connection with an unprovoked attack on an 81-year-old West Sider, Guela Levi Freeman, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office announced on Monday.

Esparragoza is accused of striking Freeman in the face on Sept. 13 as she was walking her dog on West 66th Street near Amsterdam Avenue at about 7 p.m., according to officials.

Esparragoza initially strolled past Freeman before turning back and delivering a forceful blow to her head, officials allege. The impact caused Freeman to lose consciousness, prosecutors say, and she fell and hit her head against a nearby building.

Witnesses quickly called 911, and Freeman was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she was treated for a fractured nose and concussion, according to officials. She reportedly has no memory of the incident.

Fox 5 obtained chilling footage of the attack. The network also spoke with Freeman, who said she hoped her attacker received treatment, not jail time.

“It was not against me,” she said, “he’s sick.”

Esparragoza was arrested after a Staten Island deli employee recognized him from local media coverage and notified police, leading to his apprehension, according to Bragg's office. He faces charges of second- and third-degree assault, a felony and a misdemeanor, respectively.

Esparragoza has been in custody on $75,000 cash bail since early October. He has 7 prior failures to appear in court, prosecutors said, and an “extensive” and “extremely concerning” criminal history that includes 7 misdemeanors and 1 felony charge — and as many as 21 prior arrests. In March 2023, Esparragoza reportedly grabbed and kissed the hand of an 11-year-old girl at the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.

The UWS case will reportedly resume on Dec. 17 following a mental health evaluation. A not guilty plea was made on Esparragoza's behalf on Monday.