Homeless Man Critically Injured After Assault At Union Square Park

A homeless man was severely beaten at 1:20 a.m. early Friday morning. The incident started when the suspects surrounded the victim as he slept on a bench in Union Square Park, near 15th St. The violent incident comes on the heels of the NYPD removing its Mobile Communication Command Center from the park last week. The trailer was placed in response to a dramatic increase in crime in the park and surrounding area. (Photo: Marcus Santos for the NY Daily News)

Manhattan

A homeless man was badly hurt yesterday when he was beaten by another man, police and a witness said, according to the New York Daily News.

The 56-year-old victim is in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital with head trauma. The 1:20 a.m. incident started when the victim got into an argument with another man just outside Union Square Park, near 15th St.

"I don't know who started what, but a group of the young kids were all around him," said Mitch, a witness who is also homeless. "One of them hit him in the head and he fell."

Police said the group ran off. Detectives later determined they had gathered to watch the argument. They were not part of the beating.

The man who threw the punch was still being sought last night.

No one has been arrested. Anyone with information on the assault should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

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