Suspect Who Allegedly Hit Man in Head in Unprovoked Attack Walks Free, Gets Downgraded Charges

NEW YORK (77WABC) — Charges have been downgraded against an ex-convict and sex offender from the Bronx who allegedly without provocation put gloves on and from behind hit a man in the head outside a Bronx restaurant.

They got him! https://t.co/f7QJmrdpRR

— TalkRadio 77 WABC (@77WABCradio) August 18, 2022

55-year-old Bui Van Phu of the Bronx was released after a charge of suspicion of attempted murder was downgraded to assault — a misdemeanor and harassment charge that doesn’t require bail. The decision to downgrade the charge to a misdemeanor comes from the Bronx DA’s office.

The registered sex offender, who was convicted in 1995 of sexual abuse and spent six years in prison with lifetime parole, appeared before judge Giyang An. The victim — 52-year-old Jesus Cortez — suffered a skull fracture had brain surgery and is currently in a coma at Jacobi Hospital.

The victim is in critical but stable condition. Investigations into the brutal attack are ongoing.