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Man arrested in connection with assault on Rick Moranis, NYPD says

Click to play video: 'New York police arrest suspect in connection to assault on Rick Moranis'
New York police arrest suspect in connection to assault on Rick Moranis
WATCH: New York police arrest suspect in connection to assault on Rick Moranis – Nov 15, 2020

New York City police have arrested a man in connection with an apparently random attack on Canadian actor Rick Moranis more than a month ago.

The NYPD credited an “eagle-eyed sergeant” from the force’s transit team for helping solve the case in a post on Twitter. Marquis Ventura, 35, was arrested Saturday afternoon.

“This suspect has been apprehended and charged,” they tweeted.

Click to play video: 'Actor Rick Moranis punched in violent assault on NYC streets'
Actor Rick Moranis punched in violent assault on NYC streets

WARNING: Video contains violent content not suitable for all viewers. Discretion is advised.

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NYPD Chief of Transit Chief Kathleen O’Reilly said Ventura is currently facing his seventh assault charge this year.

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“The high-profile nature of this incident had little bearing on Sergeant Dennis & PO Merlino’s determination to catch the assailant,” she tweeted.

“It was simply another case of NYC cops looking out for their fellow New Yorkers.”

Moranis, 67, who is known for roles in movies such as Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, was walking southbound along a street near Central Park when he was punched in the head and knocked to the ground on Oct. 1.

Video released by the NYPD showed a man walking past the actor wearing black pants and a black hoodie emblazoned with the words “I heart NY,” when he appeared to stop, sucker-punch the actor and then keep walking.

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The Canadian actor was treated in hospital for right hip, head, and back injuries. A representative for Moranis said that he was “fine but grateful for everyone’s thoughts and well wishes” in a statement to ET Canada.

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