Two friends leaving a Hell’s Kitchen bar were punched unconscious, leaving one of them clinging to life, in a clash with a moped-riding menace who bumped into them while riding on the sidewalk, cops said Wednesday.
The friends left Rudy’s Bar & Grill and were walking to an Uber waiting for them at the curb 2:40 a.m. Tuesday when the attacker, riding a black moped on the sidewalk, bumped into the older man, nudging him with his arm.
Words were exchanged as the attacker rode past the two men, ages 38 and 56, and then circled back to them on Ninth Ave. near W. 43rd St.
The argument got heated at that point and the older victim was punched in the face and knocked out by the moped rider.
The younger victim, who had tried to intervene to prevent the assault, was also punched in the face and knocked unconscious, police said.
The younger victim was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition while his 56-year-old friend was taken to Mount Sinai West in stable condition.
The attacker took off and is being sought.
Cops released surveillance footage of the suspect and are asking the public’s help identifying him and tracking him down.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
