The Sudden Escalation in the Lobby (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Manhattan’s Upper West Side – A longtime doorman known for his kindness met a night of terror in the lobby of his building on West 88th Street. Nicolaie Lica, 71, affectionately called George by residents, suffered severe injuries when a local man attacked him after being denied access to an upper-floor apartment. The incident, which unfolded around midnight on March 8, has left the neighborhood reeling and sparked an outpouring of support for the victim.[1][2]
The Sudden Escalation in the Lobby
Moshe Dardashty, 29, entered the building claiming he wanted to visit a seventh-floor apartment. Lica initially pointed him toward the elevators but soon recalled a warning from a coworker that the man was not permitted on the premises. He pursued Dardashty and confronted him, politely stating, “Sir, I’m very, very sorry. I cannot permit you to go up.”[1]
The refusal triggered an explosive response. Dardashty yelled, then lunged at Lica, pushing him to the ground. The attacker hurled a metal ramp at Lica’s face, shattering the bone beneath his left eye and damaging his nose. He followed with a barrage of punches, jumping on the fallen doorman and allegedly attempting to wield a broom as a weapon before abandoning it.[1]
Desperate Pleas Amid the Beating
As the assault intensified, Lica pleaded for mercy, calling out, “Stop, sir, it’s too much.” His face covered in blood, he cried for help and even invoked divine intervention, fearing for his life. No residents responded to his calls in the quiet lobby, leaving him to dial police himself until bystanders intervened to speak with officers.[1]
Lica later recounted the ordeal from his Bronx home, estimating he endured around 100 blows from the much younger assailant. His wife, Pauna, 62, who now tends to his wounds and medications, wondered if drugs or alcohol fueled the rage. The doorman expressed gratitude for surviving, despite the pain that confines him to bed.[1]
A Pillar of the Community Falls
Lica has served as the night watchman at the building since 1998, earning praise for his dedication despite limited English skills. Tenants describe him as always cleaning, smiling, and ensuring safety. Constantin Schoelkopf, a resident of nearly a decade, called him “very kind and dedicated,” emphasizing how the attack occurred while Lica simply performed his duties.[1]
Rushed to Mount Sinai West hospital, Lica received treatment and was released, but recovery proves challenging. His injuries include:
- Fractured bone under the left eye
- Broken nose
- Damage to three vertebrae on the right side
- Swelling preventing him from opening his left eye
- Pain in his side, arm, and back
- Weakened right hand, unable to lift a glass of water
These setbacks have sidelined the 71-year-old, who relies on his wife for daily care.[1][2]
Arrest and Neighborhood Backlash
Police arrested Dardashty minutes after the beating. He faced charges of assault and attempted assault, with some reports adding criminal possession of a weapon. Arraigned the following day, a judge set his bail at $50,000. The suspect resides just blocks away on West 91st Street.[1][2]
The community mobilized quickly. Schoelkopf launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical bills and recovery costs, raising over $5,300 initially. Residents voiced concerns about rising crime and called for enhanced security measures like additional staff or better doors. Lica remains hopeful amid the support, noting, “Everybody from the building has been supportive. I’ve been very, very grateful.”[1][2]
Key Takeaways
- A simple act of enforcing building rules led to a life-altering assault on a dedicated 71-year-old doorman.
- Swift police action resulted in the attacker’s arrest, but the victim’s long recovery highlights vulnerabilities in urban security.
- Neighborly support through fundraising shows the power of community in the face of violence.
This attack underscores the risks faced by those who protect our homes, turning a routine night shift into a fight for survival. George Lica’s resilience offers a glimmer of hope, but questions linger about preventing such brutality. What measures should buildings take to safeguard their staff? Share your thoughts in the comments.
