Queens Leaders Demand Change As Cops Pickup Suspect In Attack On Elderly Woman

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- After 16 days, police have arrested a suspect who allegedly punched an elderly woman leaving her in critical condition outside of a deli.

Community leaders thanked the NYPD, but said next time the community needs to cooperate more so an arrest can be made quicker.

The person under arrest is 28-year-old Richard Springer. As 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported, it took over two weeks to find him.

Council member Ruben Wills said he's grateful to the police, but disappointed in the community. He said when people don't speak up and protect a suspect it sends the wrong message.

"Our community needs to step up with cooperation, because cooperation with the NYPD is a two way street," he said.

Springer has been accused of fighting with a deli worker over a can of beer. When he ran out of the store on Sutphin Boulevard he allegedly punched and critically injured a 69-year-old woman who was standing on the sidewalk.

"Something is mentally wrong with a person that will see an elderly woman and just punch her out of nowhere,"  Community activist Kenny Carter said.

Carter said he hopes Springer gets the help he needs.