Police release video of Rick Moranis being punched in New York and offer $2,500 reward

‘He is fine but grateful for everyone’s thoughts and well wishes,’ says actor’s representative

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has released surveillance camera footage of the unprovoked attack on actor Rick Moranis.

At around 7.30am on Thursday, the Ghostbusters actor, 67, was walking southbound on Central Park West near West 70th Street in New York City, when an unidentified man approached him.

The man, wearing a black face mask and an “I ❤ NY” jumper, punched Moranis in the side of his head, which caused the actor to fall to the floor.

The suspect was filmed by a nearby surveillance camera calmly walking away from the scene as Moranis lay on the ground.

On Friday morning, the NYPD released footage of the attack and asked the public for help in finding the suspect, but did not specify that the victim was Moranis.

The NYPD News account tweeted: “A 67-year-old male victim was walking southbound on Central Park West in the vicinity of West 70th Street, when an unidentified male struck him in the head with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground. Have info? Call/DM @NYPDTips”

Soon after the footage was posted, a representative for the actor confirmed to the New York Post that Moranis was the victim of the attack, after six officers were seen entering his building on Friday morning.

Troy Bailey of Bailey Brand Management told the Post in an e-mailed statement: “Rick Moranis was assaulted on the Upper West Side yesterday. He is fine but grateful for everyone’s thoughts and well wishes.”

The authorities told the Post that Moranis was taken to hospital for evaluation following the incident, after suffering pain in his head, back and right hip.

After being released from hospital, the actor, who also starred in Little Shop of Horrors in 1986 and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids in 1989, reported the attack to the authorities at the 20th precinct in the city.

The NYPD announced on Twitter that it is offering a reward of up to $2,500 (£1,933) for information that helps find the suspect.