Suspect arrested in New York City attack on actor Steve Buscemi. Here’s what we know.

NEW YORK — More than a week after the actor Steve Buscemi got punched In a seemingly random attack in New York, police arrested a suspect in connection with the case on Friday.

Law enforcement sources told CBS New York Clifton Williams, 50, who police had been searching for since at least Monday, went to Chelsea’s 10th Precinct to file a stolen property report Friday afternoon. When the police took his identity card, they recognized him and arrested him.

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

Williams faces two counts of assault. One is a misdemeanor, but Buscemi’s attack was classified as a misdemeanor because he is 66 years old, which makes him an elderly person in the eyes of the law.

According to police, around 11:30 a.m. on May 8, Williams randomly struck a 22-year-old man on Third Avenue near 16th Street.

Less than 10 minutes later, Williams allegedly struck Buscemi as he walked on Third Avenue near 27th Street.

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 talk to himself as he walked north on Third Avenue, moments before the unprovoked attack.

Buscemi, a Brooklyn native and former FDNY firefighter, was transported to Bellevue Hospital for bruising, swelling and bleeding to his left eye. He was released, but refused any on-camera interviews days later.

NYPD investigating more assaults in 2024

On Monday, the New York Police Department said the criminal assaults in New York were up 15% since the start of the yearand misdemeanor assaults had increased by about 7%.

“We’re seeing an uptick, and of course it scares us all, but that doesn’t mean it’s a trend that’s going to continue,” said former New York Police Commissioner Rich Esposito , at CBS New York.

In March, actor Michael Stuhlbarg, Buscemi’s co-star in “Boardwalk Empire,” was attacked randomly running around the Upper East Side.

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