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'Free Hugs' Guy Arrested Once Again For Allegedly Attacking Woman In Union Square
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 22, 2017
Modified Oct 22, 2017
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By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 22, 2017
Modified Oct 22, 2017
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The notorious "Free Hugs" guy with a history of harassing woman on the street has once again been arrested, this time for allegedly attacking a woman in Union Square.
According to police, Jermaine Himmelstein approached a woman who was taking photos of her family at the park on Saturday afternoon. With his sign in hand, he repeatedly attempted to hug the woman, who declined, saying that she didn't want to be touched. In response, Himmelstein, 26, allegedly charged at her, striking her in the face, police said.
"I did not expect for this guy to attack us," the victim told PIX11. "From behind he runs and hits me right in the face with an open palm and just knocks off my glasses ... and then runs off."
According to police, the victim suffered a black eye and bruising, and her sunglasses were knocked off her face.
Last year, the sign-wielding man was arrested for allegedly punching a Canadian tourist who didn't tip him in Times Square. Following that incident, an investigation by NBC 4 New York found that he'd been arrested at least 7 times for harassing or attacking women. And he was reportedly seen harassing a woman in Union Square back in April as well.
Himmelstein's parents say their son is autistic, and that his attacks occur when he goes off his medication. Charges were dropped in the Times Square incident after he was found mentally unfit to stand trial.
"It seems to me that he keeps doing it and getting away with it," the most recent victim told Pix11. "And it's scary because women shouldn't be afraid to walk in their own city."
Himmelstein was arrested Saturday afternoon and charged with assault.
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free hugs
Jermaine Himmelstein
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Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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