Veteran WABC reporter Tim Fleischer was punched in the face while covering an event in New York City.
According to reports, Fleischer was interviewing a local when a man walked up and sucker punched him in the Far Rockaway section of Queens. The unidentified man ran off. He was arrested a few block away.
Fleischer was taken to a local hospital to be treated for a minor injury. As soon as it happened, sentiments for the longtime broadcaster for a speedy recovery were echoed across social media.
“Veteran @ABC7NY reporter @TimFleischer7 was assaulted today while covering a story for us. Tim was taken to the hospital for evaluation. We are all thinking of him,” said WABC anchor Bill Ritter.
Veteran @ABC7NY reporter @TimFleischer7 was assaulted today while covering a story for us. Tim was taken to the hospital for evaluation. we are all thinking of him … a suspect was arrested soon after the assault. we’ll keep u posted. Love u Tim.https://t.co/nhBG1TeHJ2
— Bill Ritter (@billritter7) April 10, 2018
“This is the man who allegedly punched our very Tim Fleischer in the face for no apparent reason today,” said Eyewitness News reporter Kristin Thorne.
This is the man who allegedly punched our very own Tim Fleischer in the face for no apparent reason today while Tim was reporting in Queens. pic.twitter.com/RFUFGonDZ0
— Kristin Thorne (@KristinThorne) April 10, 2018
Fleischer is expected to recover. It’s unclear when he will return to work.
Speedy recovery to our @ABC7NY colleague @TimFleischer7, who was assaulted while covering a story today. He’s being checked out at the hospital but will thankfully be okay. Suspect in custody.
— Josh Einiger (@JoshEiniger7) April 10, 2018