"Friends" actor David Schwimmer's latest role is local, real life hero.
The 47-year-old actor helped the New York Police Department solve a stabbing case that took place next to his East Village townhouse on Monday. According to the New York Post, Schwimmer showed cops a surveillance video that captured footage of a fight between three people at 5:40 a.m.
The brawl, which reportedly first took place between a 26-year-old man and transgender prostitute, began on the first floor of the building, but spilled into the lobby, eventually culminating in both men smashing through the lobby's glass door. The disagreement reportedly began when the customer refused to pay the escort for his services. The escort then attempted to steal the client's computer, according to law enforcement officials.
The New York Daily News reported that a third person involved in the fight entered the building in an attempt to rob one of the men. The Daily News stated that the prostitute and the alleged robber may have planned the robbery.
Afterwards, the 26-year-old was rushed to Bellevue Hospital with stab wounds to the face and the 21-year-old prostitute, who ran away from the scene, was eventually admitted at the Beth Israel Medical Center for treatment of stab wounds.
Police arrested alleged robber Robert Rainey, 21, and charged him with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and robbery. Before viewing the video, authorities reportedly had nothing to rely on, besides the stories of the two parties involved. Schwimmer reportedly provided the NYPD with a copy of the tape.
Last August, East Village locals became frustrated with extensive renovations Schwimmer conducted in his 160-year-old building.
"Four years ago, I would say David Schwimmer was the least popular guy on the block with the construction and all," resident Jayson Fillermutter said. "But he has turned out to be a decent neighbor, and I am glad to hear he helped the cops with that stabbing."
