The man accused of assaulting a senior on the Upper West Side in September was arraigned Monday while the case is adjourned pending a mental health evaluation.
Hansel Esparragoza, 37, allegedly sucker-punched 81-year-old Guela Levi Freeman as she walked her dog along 66th Street and Amsterdam Avenue on Sept. 13, in the 20th Precinct‘s confines. The attack left the octogenarian unconscious and suffering bruising, pain, and a fractured nose, though her faithful pet remained by her side throughout the ordeal.
The victim was treated at Mount Sini Hospital for her injuries and still has amnesia regarding the incident, according to court documents.
Police caught up to Esparragoza allegedly shoplifting on Oct. 3 in his home borough of Staten Island after a store owner called 911. One month later, on Nov. 4, Esparragoza finally appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court for arraignment — but his defense team informed Judge Laura Ward that they were still waiting on the findings of a mental health evaluation.
That left Judge Ward to adjourn the case to Dec. 17. Esparragoza himself did not address the court; however, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
“As alleged, Hansel Esparragoza punched an 81-year-old woman in the face in an unprovoked attack, causing her to lose consciousness and fall to the ground,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. “New Yorkers deserve to be safe when they are going about their daily lives walking through their neighborhoods, and we will continue to prosecute those who threaten their safety. I hope the victim continues to heal from this assault.”
Esparragoza is no stranger to the justice system; he racked up 21 prior arrests including harassing a minor, according to police sources. In March 2023, Esparragoza was arrested in the St. George Ferry Terminal for harassing an 11-year-old child by allegedly grabbing and kissing her hand. The interaction of the mother confronting Esparragoza went viral on TikTok. He was charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child.
Sources familiar with the case said that Esparragoza is also known for alleged indecent exposure incidents.
Esparragoza is charged with second and third degree assault, and remained held in custody Monday on $75,000 cash bail.
