Man arrested in UWS attack on 77-year-old woman: NYPD

Editor’s note: The video above originally aired on Sept. 19, 2024.

UPPER WEST SIDE (PIX11) – A man accused of punching a 77-year-old in the face on the Upper West Side has been arrested, police said Tuesday.

Anthony Melendez, 37, now faces assault charges after he allegedly punched a woman in the eye on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, according to the NYPD.

Melendez approached the woman just before 2 p.m. on Sept. 13, police said. After he allegedly punched her, Melendez ran on 72nd Street, and he was arrested days later on Sept. 19, police said.

The woman had minor injuries but was not hospitalized.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here .

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