Firefighters Turn Into Crimefighters, Take Down Man Who Allegedly Assaulted 60-Year-Old Woman On Bed-Stuy Street
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Members of the FDNY jumped into action after witnessing a recent assault in Brooklyn right outside a fire station.
CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis got a look at surveillance video on Sunday.
The clip shows a woman in a blue shirt walking down the sidewalk on Hancock Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant when a man on a bicycle swerves over and punches her in the face, knocking her down.
He speeds off as four people race behind him. The pursuers were firefighters and they continued the chase around a corner, and took the man to the ground.
Meanwhile, others were seen checking on the 60-year-old victim.
"It's bad. You can't hit a woman. She's very nice, the whole family. I grew up with them and they very nice," said Twin Alzokari of nearby J&A Deli and Grocery.
MORE: FDNY Rescues 2 People From Inflatable Swan Float In East River
Alzokari said he watched the FDNY jump into action after the assault on Aug. 26, which happened at around 5 p.m. right in front of the firehouse.
"I just see the guy running with the bike and I see the fire department came after him," Alzokari said.
The firefighters stayed with the suspect until police arrived and took him away in handcuffs as a crowd watched on.
The NYPD identified the suspect as 53-year-old Daniel Biggs. Police said he has 18 prior arrests, from robbery to assault. The most recent came on Aug. 2, after he allegedly slashed a 26-year-old man on the face.
Biggs is apparently a recognizable face in the community.
"He comes, buys his stuff and leaves. That's it. I was like why he did it?" Alzokari said.
During the Aug. 26 incident, while he was being restrained, Biggs punched a 29-year-old firefighter in the eye causing bruising and swelling, police said.
Neighbors said they're grateful for the firefighters' bravery.
"You feel safe. They're always helping the community and that's a very, very good job what they did," Alzokari said.
Police said the alleged attacker and the victim were strangers, adding the motive for the assault is unclear. She suffered a cut on the mouth, but police said she refused medical attention at the scene.
You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here.