“Law & Order” TV cop Richard Belzer said an Apple employee’s claim that he choked her in an Upper West Side computer store was like a story line from his show — pure fiction.
“The sad part of it was that police officers were called and had to report to the scene and God knows we don’t need all that manpower wasted on a trivial accusation that was clearly done either for attention or to embarrass a famous person,” Belzer told The Post.
Cops were called to the Apple store on W. 67th Street in response to a call about an assault in progress Wednesday evening after the comedian and two aides stepped in to buy a computer.
An employee Milan Agnew, 21, told police that Belzer grabbed her shoulders, shook her and choked her before barking, “I need help.”
But Belzer said Agnew is the one who needs help — for being so delusional.
“I’ve never had even the slightest rudeness like this at the Apple store,” Belzer said. “They’re all great. I think you have to pass a personality test to work there, and I don’t know how this woman slipped through the cracks.”
Belzer, who plays Sgt. John Munch on the show, was questioned by police, but not charged with a crime. Cops also looked at surveillance video, and determined Belzer did nothing wrong.
The actor said that after waiting an unusually long time for service said he put her hands on Agnew’s shoulder, but did nothing after that but ask for help.
“She wanted attention and she knew who I was and I clearly didn’t assault her,” Belzer said. “It’s surprising that Apple would not apologize to such a high-profile, good customer. I’ve spent thousands of dollars there. I don’t want her to be fired, I just want her to seek help.”
But Agnew said it was Belzer who was out of line.
“I’m not star struck by anyone,” Agnew said. “I approached him like he was a regular customer. I asked how can I help you. He told me what he needed, and then before I was able to speak again, he lunges in and grabs my neck. It was no gentle manner. There is no gentle manner to grab someone’s neck.”
Agnew filed a harassment complaint with the NYPD which she can pursue in civil court.