Beloved Doorman Brutalized in Upper West Side Lobby Despite Courteous Pleas

A Routine Check Turns Violent (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Upper West Side, Manhattan – A 71-year-old doorman, cherished by residents for nearly three decades of service, endured a savage beating in his building’s lobby early on March 8. Nicolaie Lica, known affectionately as George, simply performed his duty by denying entry to a stranger. The unprovoked attack left him hospitalized with severe facial fractures and spinal injuries, sparking outrage and support from the community.[1][2]

A Routine Check Turns Violent

Nicolaie Lica stood at his post in the lobby of 255 West 88th Street, between Broadway and West End Avenue, when Moshe Dardashty, 29, walked in around midnight. Dardashty claimed he wanted to visit a seventh-floor apartment. Lica, who had been warned about the man previously, politely refused. “Sir, I’m very, very sorry. I cannot permit you to go up,” he told the visitor.[1]

The exchange escalated rapidly. Dardashty lunged at Lica, who tried to retreat but found himself cornered. The attacker pushed him to the ground, hurled a metal ramp that shattered the bone under Lica’s left eye and broke his nose, then jumped on his back. Lica later recalled pleading, “After he hit me so many times I said, ‘Stop, sir, it’s too much.’” He also beat Lica with a broom before fleeing momentarily. Covered in blood, Lica managed to call police himself.[1]

Decades of Dedication Meet Devastating Injuries

Lica has greeted tenants at the building since 1998, earning praise for his warmth and reliability despite limited English. Residents describe him as the “night watchman,” always cleaning and assisting. The assault shattered that routine. He spent time at Mount Sinai West Hospital before release, but recovery proves arduous. His wife, Pauna Lica, 62, now tends to him full-time, applying eye drops and medications.[1][2]

Injuries include an inability to open his left eye, intense pain in his side, arm, and back, plus damage to three vertebrae on the right side. He struggles to lift even a glass of water with his dominant hand. Pauna Lica estimated the blows at around 100, noting the attacker’s youth and possible impairment. “The guy was strong, only 29 years old. Maybe he was on drugs or drunk, I don’t know,” she said.[1]

Swift Police Action and Legal Fallout

Officers arrived quickly after Lica’s call. Bystanders helped communicate with them amid the chaos. Dardashty, who lives just blocks away on West 91st Street, was apprehended minutes later. Authorities charged him with assault and attempted assault, according to the criminal complaint. He faced arraignment the following day and a judge set bail at $50,000.[1]

Prosecutors highlighted the broom as a weapon in the attack. The NYPD also pursued charges of criminal possession of a weapon in related reports. Dardashty remains in custody as the case proceeds. No motive beyond the denied entry has emerged publicly.[2]

Community Support Floods In

Tenants rallied immediately. Constantin Schoelkopf, a resident of nearly a decade, launched a GoFundMe for medical bills and recovery aid. It surpassed $5,300 within days. Schoelkopf called Lica “a very kind and dedicated doorman” who was simply doing his job.[1][2]

Reactions poured in online and from neighbors. Many expressed fears over rising Upper West Side crime, urging better security like additional staff or reinforced doors. Lica voiced appreciation amid pain: “It’s a difficult time right now. But I live with hope. Everybody from the building has been supportive. I’ve been very, very grateful.”

• Longtime tenant praises Lica’s constant helpfulness.
• Fundraiser covers hospital costs and home care.
• Calls grow for enhanced building protections.
• Residents unite in condemning the violence.
• Recovery fund highlights George’s enduring spirit.

This incident underscores vulnerabilities faced by those safeguarding New York City buildings, even in polite refusal. Lica’s resilience and neighbors’ backing offer a glimmer of hope. What steps should buildings take to protect staff like George? Share your thoughts in the comments.