Victim of violent case of mistaken identity speaking out

ASTORIA (WABC) -- Eyewitness News is hearing for the first time from a victim of a disturbing and violent case of mistaken identity. A man was walking on the street in Queens when he was suddenly attacked. Police are now hoping someone will recognize the suspect.

The attack happened in Astoria at 2:30 in the afternoon back in June, with plenty of witnesses and plenty of cameras around. The victim says that just did not matter to the suspect, and says he thought the victim was trying to kill him.

"He came up to me, asked my if my name was 'Danny' from Bayside, I said no, it wasn't," said the victim, "he claimed I robbed him for, I think it was $3,500 the night before at 2 a.m. - I said, 'it's not me, you got the wrong guy."

The victim did not want to be named or have his face shown, because police are still looking for the man who attacked him.

"I felt three bashes on my head, I felt hot wetness on me. I wiped my face and noticed I'm bleeding," the victim added.

The attack happened outside Ultimate Body Works near 37th Avenue in Astoria. The victim got 16 staples on his head, and he felt dizzy for days after the June 14th attack. He says he now finds himself stuttering.

"There was plenty of people outside watching the whole thing, the cops came pretty quick - he got away. I don't understand how they haven't caught him yet," he says.

Police are hoping surveillance video and images will help solve the crime.

Anyone with any information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.