Exclusive: Man Accused Of 'Parking Space Rage' Tells His Side
NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- A man charged with felony assault against a woman over a parking spot is speaking out, saying he only acted in self-defense.
CBS 2's Derricke Dennis sat down with 35-year-old Oscar Fuller, and his attorney, for an exclusive interview.
1010 WINS' John Montone with details from the case
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"I did not know, in no form or fashion, that she was physically hurt like this," Fuller said.
Fuller said he was surprised by the serious injuries in the now-infamous fight over a parking space in Manhattan's East Village.
Lana Rosas, of the Bronx, suffered a critical head injury and was left in a coma, though Fuller said his one punch was not responsible.
"They're saying it was so powerful a hit," Fuller said. "I hit this girl one time."
Two Fridays ago, at around 11 p.m., Fuller said he saw Rosas standing along East 14th Street. She was physically holding a parking space, apparently for her boyfriend, who was circling the block.
Words were exchanged between the two, and then, Fuller said, Rosas threw the first of several punches.
"Bang, bang, bang, bang, she's just hitting me, hitting me, and I'm like 'whoa, whoa,'" Fuller said. "So I hit the girl, jump back in my car and pull off."
Rosas' family tells a different story – that a petite, 100-pound woman was hit so hard that she flew off her feet and landed in the street.
The police report said Rosas is in a coma, and her skull had to be opened to relieve pressure on her brain. Rosas might die, stay in a coma or have permanent brain damage.
"They're saying I'm some big guy – I'm only 5'7"…I weigh 150," Fuller said.
Fuller's attorney, Thomas Kennif, said there is surveillance video of the fight that he believes will show his client acted in self-defense. That video is in the hands of prosecutors, and has not yet been released.
Fuller said he's praying for Rosas' recovery, but that he hopes to have his day in court.
"Some female that I never met in my life hit me, and I hit her back," he said. "Do I feel I was right hitting this woman? No, I do not. Do I feel she was right in hitting me? No, I do not."
CBS 2 has made several attempts to contact Rosas' family, but no one could be reached for comment.
Oscar Fuller has been charged with felony assault, and has a court appearance Monday morning.
At last check, Lana Rosas remained in critical condition.
