John Applewhite’s New York attacker arrested as mom says ‘he was peeing in parking lot’
New York authorities say the alleged attacker of the electrical lineman from Florida in Long Island has been apprehended.
Thomas Libretto
John Applewhite, from Lakeland, Florida, has been hospitalized after being severely beaten by someone after walked up to him, punched him in the face and then took off in a dark-colored BMW sedan.
Thomas Libretto, age 31, has been arrested by Nassau County police.
Friday outside of the Texas Roadhose, Applewhite was attacked leaving him with facial fractures and a broken jaw.
“He met me halfway between my truck and his vehicle and just as I got within arm’s reach, he decked me,” Applewhite told 10 News.
Applewhite was working in New York to help bring power back on for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Libretto’s mother told WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall that the family’s power had already been restored at the time of the incident. She said her son was attacked after he yelled at Applewhite for urinating outside the restaurant.
“It had nothing to do with the lights,” she said. “My son was jumped and attacked because he said something to the guy who was peeing in the parking lot in front of his girlfriend. Maybe that is acceptable in Florida, not here. There were 10 guys and my son.”
She said Libretto sustained a number of bruises.
