Harlem Man Accused Of Fatally Punching 65-Year-Old Neighbor

HARLEM, NY — A Harlem man was arrested Wednesday and accused of fatally punching his 65-year-old neighbor in the head during a fight in June, police said.

Around 4:45 p.m. on June 22, police responded to a 911 call reporting an assault in front of 2698 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, part of the Drew Hamilton Houses.

According to a police investigation, the victim, Michael Harris, had been involved in a physical altercation with 35-year-old Rasheem Zeigler. Both men lived in the building.

During the fight, Zeigler punched Harris in the head, causing blunt force injuries, according to police. When police arrived at the scene, paramedics had already brought Harris to Harlem Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Following an investigation, police arrested Zeigler Wednesday afternoon and charged him with two counts of assault.

An investigation is still ongoing, police said.