An expletive-spewing man who punched an 11-year-old girl in the face at a Manhattan park’s dog run was arrested on Saturday, the New York Daily News reports.
Nathaniel DiRenzo, 29, of Manhattan, got into an altercation with the girl and her friends on Wednesday — friends who the Daily News described as “rowdy children” — who were reportedly throwing debris into the dog run. The situation soon became chaotic when angry dog owners confronted the group of kids.
According to the report, DiRenzo, who was among the dog owners, turned his focus towards the girl, who was yelling at him.
“Grip her the f*** up before I put my hands on her,” DiRenzo allegedly told an adult who was supervising the kids. “You’re a f***ing embarrassment,” he said. “I can’t believe they pay you to do this.”
The girl then confronted DiRenzo. “You fat little b****. You’re not going to amount to anything in life,” he can be heard telling the girl in a YouTube video which is now private.
He then grabbed the girls hair, punched her in the face, and put his hands around her neck. He also traded swings with a 15-year-old boy who tried to intervene. DiRenzo then left the scene.
The girl was taken to the hospital and was listed in stable condition. The 15-year-old was treated at the scene.
Multiple witnesses told ABC7 Eyewitness News that people who use the park have been concerned about the man and his treatment of other people — and even his own dog.
One woman said she saw the whole thing.
“This man grabbed her by the neck, her chest, and punched her in the head. Eleven-year-old Black young girl,” the witness said. “This is not normal. He’s dangerous.”
DiRenzo was charged with strangulation, acting in a manner injurious to a child, assault and harassment.
Watch CBS New York’s report on the story below:
This article has been updated
