PATERSON, N.J. (AP) - A teenager has admitted punching a man in an unprovoked street corner attack last year that was captured on video.
Kristian Gonzalez pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated assault and faces a three-year prison term when he’s sentenced Sept. 30. The 18-year-old Paterson resident was 17 when the attack occurred and initially was charged as a juvenile, but the case was moved to adult court.
Gonzalez punched the 37-year-old victim in December 2015 as the man walked to a bodega in Paterson. The victim was seriously injured but has recovered.
Authorities launched an investigation after a video of the assault surfaced online.
A 16-year-old boy who allegedly encouraged Gonzalez and also recorded the attack is charged with aggravated assault and endangering an injured victim. His case is pending in juvenile court.
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