Man, Woman Arrested in Attack on Tourist Who Refused to Buy Statue of Liberty Tickets

A man and a woman have been arrested for allegedly attacking an Arkansas tourist Monday when he refused to buy tickets to the Statue of Liberty, knocking him unconscious and fracturing his skull, police said.

Robert Andersen, 25, was arrested Wednesday afternoon on felony assault charges in connection with the attack on Monday afternoon on South Street near Whitehall Street, police said. 

His alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Teresa Thorson of Brooklyn, was also arrested. 

Authorities allege Thorson approached the tourist and tried to sell him fake tickets to the landmark. When the victim refused, police say Andersen punched the man in the face.

The blow knocked the tourist unconscious and caused brain bleeding, police said. The man was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for a fractured skull.

He was in fair condition Wednesday, authorities say. 

Andersen was silent as he was led from a police station Wednesday night. 

Thorson told NBC 4 New York, "The tourist assaulted me," but declined to elaborate. 

At their arraignments early Thursday, Andersen was held on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond, authorities said. Thorson was held on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. 

Legal representation for Thorson and Andersen did not immediately respond. 

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