'Boardwalk Empire' actor Michael Stuhlbarg injured in one of two Central Park attacks

CENTRAL PARK - Actor Michael Stuhlbarg, who played gangster Arnold Rothstein in the HBO TV show "Boardwalk Empire," was one of two people injured in separate, seemingly random attacks in Central Park on Sunday.

Stuhlbarg was struck from behind with a rock just before 8 p.m. near East 90th Street. Stuhlbarg would chase his attacker in the direction of NYPD officers, who arrested the 27-year-old suspect.

The suspect, Xavier Israel, has been in the news for violent attacks before.

In January of 2022, Israel turned on a Good Samaritan trying to help him by giving him his coat. Instead, Israel punched the man and stole his wallet.

The Manhattan DA's office told FOX 5 NY that Israel pled guilty in the case and was sentenced to 2 years in jail this past October, leading to questions as to why he was not serving his sentence when he attacked Stuhlbarg.

A second Central Park Attack

Hours after the rock attack, on the West Side of Central Park police say a woman was attacke dfrom behind by a hammer-wielding suspect riding a moped or scooters.

Authorities say the incident happened early Monday morning inside the park near 64th Street.

The suspect sped away after the attack.

The victim in the attack, along with Stuhlbarg, are expected to be okay, with Stuhlbarg immediately returning to the state Monday night for the preview of the upcoming production "Patriots" at the Barrymore Theatre. 

Police searching for robbery suspects

In addition to these attacks, police are searching for a group of suspects who have struck three times since Wednesday. The number of suspects involved in each robbery ranges from 3 to 6. 

Police say the first robbery happened Wednesday on the Upper West Side at 65th Street and Central Park West. Later that same day, another victim was robbed at West 72nd Street.

Then, on Thursday, there was another robbery at 100th Street and Central Park West.