13
4
Shocking surveillance video shows a good Samaritan getting walloped on a Midtown sidewalk Wednesday morning after he gives a homeless man his coat.
The twisted turn of events began when the 59-year-old victim tried to help Xavier Israel, 25, who was lying on a sidewalk in front of 476 5th Ave. at about 8:40 a.m., according to sources.
Moments after the victim gently covers Israel with his jacket, Israel shoots to his feet and appears to push the man to the ground before snatching the wallet from his back pants pocket, according to footage obtained by The Post.
The victim tries in vain to retrieve his wallet, but the suspect punches him and throws him back to the ground, the video shows.
Israel fled the scene but was arrested a short time later on West 41st St. and 5th Ave., sources said.
Witnesses told police that Israel stuffed cash inside his pants and officers recovered nearly $1,500 from him, according to sources.