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]…