What to Know
- The suspect punched the 69-year-old woman at random after he stole beer from a deli, police said
- The woman was knocked out cold and suffered serious injuries to her head and face
- Police released an image of the suspect, 28-year-old Richard Springer, on Tuesday
A man has been accused of sucker-punching a 69-year-old woman at random in Queens earlier this month.
Richard Springer, 29, was arrested on robbery and assault charges in connection with the Oct. 18 attack outside King Deli on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, according to the NYPD.
Surveillance video from the deli shows the man punching the woman in the face outside the deli. The power of the blow knocks her out cold and sends her tumbling to the ground.
The woman suffered cuts and swelling on her face and head — injuries that police described as serious. Her condition as of Monday wasn't immediately available.
After punching the woman, authorities said the man took off with a stolen can of beer.
Authorities said that before the attack, Springer allegedly got into a fight with a worker at the deli and stormed out in a rage.
Local
Attorney information for the man wasn't immediately available.
Community members gathered outside the deli on Tuesday to express relief at the arrest and outrage that no one gave information that led to an arrest sooner.
"Sixteen days is 16 days too long," said City Councilman Ruben Willis. "Our community needs to step up with cooperation."
