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Man offering 'free hugs' in New York City accused of punching tourist Man offering 'free hugs' in New York City accused of punching tourist
(4 months later)
A man offering “free hugs” in New York’s Times Square is accused of punching a Canadian tourist in the face after she refused to tip him for his hug and a photo.A man offering “free hugs” in New York’s Times Square is accused of punching a Canadian tourist in the face after she refused to tip him for his hug and a photo.
Related: New York taskforce to suggest new rules for topless Times Square performers
Jermaine Himmelstein was arrested on robbery and fraudulent accosting charges shortly after the Thursday afternoon incident.Jermaine Himmelstein was arrested on robbery and fraudulent accosting charges shortly after the Thursday afternoon incident.
Police say Himmelstein demanded a cash tip from the 22-year-old woman, who was visiting from Ottawa, after she took a photo with him. When the woman refused to pay, police say Himmelstein punched her in the face and then ran off. The victim was left with a black eye, cuts and bruises.Police say Himmelstein demanded a cash tip from the 22-year-old woman, who was visiting from Ottawa, after she took a photo with him. When the woman refused to pay, police say Himmelstein punched her in the face and then ran off. The victim was left with a black eye, cuts and bruises.
As Himmelstein was led out of a police station later Thursday, he told reporters that he “was aggressively asking for tips”.As Himmelstein was led out of a police station later Thursday, he told reporters that he “was aggressively asking for tips”.