A panhandler walking in the Bronx was scalded by hot water when three men attacked him on the street Sunday night, police and law enforcement sources say.
The 50-year-old victim was walking on West Kingsbridge when the alleged assailants ambushed and attacked him, police said.
They allegedly knocked him to the ground, kicked him and threw what appeared to be hot water in his face, severely burning him, according to police.
A witness who called 911 told NBC 4 New York Monday the victim's skin was peeling off after the attack.
"The guy come, he say he need somebody to call ambulance for him," said Simba Soumba.
Law enforcement sources said surveillance video from a check-cashing store shows the victim panhandling in front of the business before the attack.
The sources said at least one of the suspects may have offered the victim money before leading him around the corner to an area with less traffic, where he was ambushed and beaten before hot water was thrown in his face.
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The victim did not know his assailants, sources said. Police released video and photos of two of the suspected attackers Tuesday.
Eighty-nine-year-old Augustus Roberson, who says he's a Korean War veteran, panhandles in the same spot as the victim, known as Pops.
"He's a nice guy, trying to get a few dollars so he can eat," he said.
"I feel bad they might do that to me," he added.
