Assault suspect
By Maria Rocha-Buschel
Police have arrested a 35-year-old man for the alleged assault of a senior at a Stuyvesant Town bus stop and for reportedly punching a second person at the end of April.
Konstantin Verbitsky allegedly approached the 82-year-old woman while she was sitting on a bus stop bench at East 14th Street and First Avenue on April 22 around 7 p.m. and reportedly pushed her to the ground without provocation. Police said that while she was on the ground, he also punched her, causing pain and swelling in the victim’s hip, back, neck, knees and shoulder.
Verbitsky was also charged in connection with a second alleged assault that took place at the same corner a few minutes later. Police said that the second victim was at the corner recording something on his phone when Verbitsky allegedly walked up to him and punched him in the face.
Police said that Verbitsky did not know either victim. The suspect was charged in connection with both assaults on Tuesday, May 15 at 8:30 a.m. inside the 13th precinct. Verbitsky’s attorney could not be reached for comment.