An Ottawa woman was left sporting a black eye after she refused to tip a 24-year-old man who offers hugs for tips in Times Square.
Jermaine Himmelstein, 24, AKA the “Free Hugs Guy” assaulted the 22-year-old Ottawa woman after she refused to pay him for a photo.
The victim, identified as Sophie Violene Dauvois, was taken to St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital for treatment of a swollen and bloody black eye, according to the New York Daily News.
Himmelstein reportedly fled the scene, but was located and arrested four hours later by a uniformed NYPD recruit. Himmelstein has been charged with robbery causing physical injury and fraudulent accosting.
For his hugging efforts, Himmelstein earns about $30 an hour. He usually charges $5 for hugs – punches are free.
Himmelstein has been arrested 16 times since 2012, NYPD Chief of Department James O’Neill told the New York Daily News.