Cops Make Arrest in Baton Attack on Bike Rider

Cops say in the video the man is placing the baton he used to attack the 66-year-old woman into a bag. -Photo by NYPD

By Dan Gesslein

Manhattan Voice

October 7, 2023

NEW YORK - Police made an arrest in the vicious baton attack on a bike rider in Central Park. The victim’s daughter recorded the man as he tried to get away and hide the object he allegedly used to strike the woman with.

Police arrested 59-year-old Angelo Del Guercio of 92nd Street. He was charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Investigators said the attack stemmed from an arguement over the right of way for bicycles in the park. The suspect apparently was walking on the bike path in front of the woman and her daughter.

At around 2:30 pm on October 5, a 66-year-old woman and her daughter were both riding bicycles on the bike path in the vicinity of West 96 Street and West Drive, inside of Central Park. The mother almost collided with a man who was walking on the bike path. 

The man began yelling at the 66 year-old over nearly being run over by the bicycle while he walked the bike path. Cops said the man then pulled out what looked like a collapsible baton and struck the woman in the head. The mother fell off the bike and onto the ground. 

The victim’s 29-year-old daughter jumped off her own bike and came to her mother’s aid. She then ran after the attacker. With cell phone in hand, she recorded the man as he placed the baton inside a bag and kept walking away. 

The victim suffered a cut to her head and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where she was listed in stable condition.