VIDEO: Grandmother knocked out by stranger in New York City

BySandra Bookman WABC logo
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
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Sandra Bookman reports.

NEW YORK -- A 69-year-old woman was recovering after being hit in the face by a stranger in New York City.

Authorities said a man, later identified as Richard Springer, approached Eve Gentillon outside a deli in Queens at about 8 a.m. on Saturday and hit her in the head with a closed fist.

Surveillance video showed Springer hitting Gentillon and the grandmother falling to the sidewalk, according to officials.

Onlookers kept walking as Gentillon was on the ground knocked out cold.

Police said Springer then fled the scene. Gentillon suffered a brain hemorrhage and was taken to the hospital where she was listed in stable condition.

Deli workers said Springer, who also went by "Kwasi," was a regular in the neighborhood. Police were searching for Springer, who they also accused of stealing beer.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call 1-800-577-8477.