Randy Gener has been in the hospital since he was attacked just steps from his Midtown home on January 17.
Twenty-four-year-old Leighton Jennings, of Queens, was taken into custody without incident shortly before midnight Tuesday.
He is charged with second-degree assault, but police say he will not be charged with a bias crime.
Gener was walking home when he was viciously punched in the face on West 54th Street and Seventh Avenue. His wallet, phone and gold necklace were not taken.
He underwent brain surgery.
His relatives say he remembers little about the attack and faces additional surgery.
Gener has done freelance work for The New York Times and the Miami Herald.
CLICK HERE for a fundraising page Gener's family set up for his medical expenses.
