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Suspect facing felony assault charges in attack on actor Steve Buscemi

NEW YORK -- More than a week after actor Steve Buscemi was punched in an apparent random attack in New York City, police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with the case. 

Police sources tell CBS New York 50-year-old Clifton Williams, who police were looking for since at least Monday, walked into the 10th Precinct in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood to make a report for stolen property Friday afternoon.

Officers who took Williams' ID recognized him and made the arrest.

Clifton Williams arrested in 2 assaults, including attack on Steve Buscemi

Williams is facing two counts of assault. One is a misdemeanor, but the attack on Buscemi was upgraded to a felony because the actor is 66 years old, a senior citizen in the eyes of the law.

Police say Williams randomly punched a 22-year-old man on Third Avenue near 16th Street at around 11:30 a.m. on May 8. He allegedly punched Buscemi, who was walking on Third Avenue near 27th Street, less than 10 minutes later. 

Exclusive video obtained by CBS New York showed the actor, known for his roles in "Boardwalk Empire" and "Fargo," walking south on Third Avenue and looking up to greet someone before crossing the street. Williams punched Buscemi moments later, police said.

Additional video showed Williams appearing to be talking to himself while walking north on Third Avenue, moments before the unprovoked attack. 

Buscemi, a Brooklyn native and former FDNY firefighter, was taken to Bellevue Hospital for bruising, swelling and bleeding to his left eye. He was released, but declined an on-camera interview days later.

NYPD investigating more assaults in 2024

Monday, the NYPD said felony assaults in New York City were up 15% year-to-date, and misdemeanor assaults had increased by about 7%.

"We are seeing an uptick, and of course that's scary to all of us, but it doesn't mean it's a trend that's going to continue," former NYPD Commissioner Rich Esposito told CBS New York.  

In March, actor Michael Stuhlbarg, Buscemi's co-star on "Boardwalk Empire," was attacked at random while running on the Upper East Side.

Actor Rick Moranis was randomly attacked on the Upper West Side in 2020. 

In:
• Manhattan
• New York City

Mark Prussin

Mark Prussin is a Digital Producer at CBS New York. He covers breaking news, sports, politics and trending stories in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for CBSNewYork.com. Mark joined the CBS New York team in 2019.