WARNING: Graphic content
A deranged man was caught on video wildly swinging a mallet at a FreshDirect worker who tried to stop him from fleeing a car crash near Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Their vehicles had just crashed on Flatbush Avenue at noon Sunday. Damian Bailey started to drive off in his van, but the 23-year-old victim jumped onto his vehicle.
The van drove him for three blocks on the hood before stopping, a witness said.
Bailey, 34, then jumped out and began swinging a rubber mallet at him.
A witness, who was taking an Uber to Barclays, came across the black van stopped in the middle of the street. He activated his cell phone camera, and later posted the video on YouTube.
“I had no idea that there was going to be a hammer attack as the car rolled up, and I stumble with the camera because I wasn’t sure if I should keep recording or to try and help,” the person wrote online. “I realized that there is nothing I could do in those few seconds to a guy like that, in that state, with a hammer, and that it would be best to film the crime for the victim and his family.”
In the video, the attacker emerges from behind the van, holding the mallet over his head. He strikes the other man in the back. The victim, lying on his back, kicks at the attacker to try and fight him off. The lunatic lands another blow before backing off.
At this point, police pull up.
Police said Bailey struck the victim five times. He was charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. The victim, identified by Fresh Direct only by his first name, Kevin, was taken to the hospital. There was no word on his injuries.
“Our hearts go out to Kevin and his loved ones,” the company stated. “We have visited him, are in close contact with his family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”