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NEW YORK—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.
Jermaine Himmelstein was arrested on robbery and fraudulent accosting charges shortly after the incident yesterday afternoon.
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 she refused to pay, police say Himmelstein punched her in the face and ran off.
She was left with a black eye, cuts, and bruises.