Brooklyn man accused in fatal sucker-punch attack arrested: NYPD

Janon Fisher, Kerry Burke, New York Daily News
·1 min read
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A career criminal known in his Brooklyn neighborhood as the “local bully” was arrested Monday for the fatal sucker punch of an area man in March, police said Monday.

Philip Meyers, 45, of Dyker Heights, was tracked down by the Regional Fugitive Task Force and charged with murder and robbery in the death of John Sarquiz, 55, on March 29, according to cops. Meyers, who served prison time for a 1999 murder conviction, also stole $1,000 from the victim’s wallet, according to the NYPD.

Meyers attacked Sarquiz just before 8 p.m. in front of a bodega on 13th Ave., where he had just withdrawn money from an ATM, authorities say.

The ex-con, who has racked up 17 arrests, clocked Sarquiz in the back of the head, causing him to fall and strike his head hard on the pavement. Meyers then kicked him repeatedly once he hit the ground before ransacking his wallet, according to cops.

The attack came as Sarquiz walked the two blocks back to his home from the Dean Mini Market on 13th Ave., where he often bought scratch-off and lottery tickets for his ailing mom.

“After my father died, my brother pulled her from the depths of despair and gave her capacity for joy by spending time with her and helping her to find hobbies,” his sister, Christina, previously told the Daily News.

Meyers’ arraignment was pending Monday night.