A homeless man has been arrested in an assault on a Washington Heights restaurant owner, authorities say.
Police said the suspect, Aaron Kaalund, 53, was standing in front of Coogan's Restaurant at 4015 Broadway last Thursday evening when he began arguing with the 68-year-old restaurant owner. The fight escalated, and Kaalund allegedly punched the victim in the face.
The restaurant owner, Peter Walsh, told DNAInfo that Kaalund threatened him after Walsh refused to give him cash. He said Kaalund had been demanding money from customers sitting in the outdoor seats earlier in the evening.
Kaalund, who has served prison time for crimes including attempted robbery, grand larceny and attempted sale of a controlled substance, lives in a homeless shelter on the same block as the restaurant, Walsh and police told DNAInfo.
He has been arrested on a felony charge of second-degree assault. He's being represented by a lawyer from Legal Aid, which does not comment on pending cases.
