NYC Radio: Homeless Man Confesses To Beating WINS Anchor

Brian Carey

Botched Pizza Order Led To Beating

UPDATE 09/13/2013 1:30PM:  The homeless man who pummeled Brian Carey has confessed that the vicious attack was sparked by a botched pizza order, a law enforcement source told The NYPost. Anthony Elton told cops that he became irate when a deliveryman showed up at Carey’s Upper East Side apartment Monday night with a pizza that didn’t have double cheese.  He complained to the restaurant manager and received a fresh pie free of charge. Carey blasted Elton for causing a scene, triggering an argument, the source said.

Earlier Posting...

A homeless man was picked up Thursday in Central Park for the savage attack on WINS 1010 AM news anchor Brian Carey, according to The NY Post.

48-year-old Anthony Elton was nabbed by cops at 11 a.m. Thursday and taken to the Manhattan Robbery Squad for questioning after a tipster called police.

“He’s being interviewed by detectives right now,” said one law enforcement source. “Technically, he’s a person of interest. He hasn’t been charged yet.”

The 52-year-old Carey was allegedly beaten in his Upper East Side apartment building Monday night by Elton.

He suffered a broken jaw, facial fractures and a deep gash. Carey, whose voice is familiar to millions of news junkies who listen to 1010 WINS, staggered downstairs and collapsed in the lobby, sources said.

“I want to thank everyone who has expressed their well wishes. It means the world to me and I am deeply grateful for all of the support,” Carey said Thursday. “My goal now is to get better as quickly as possible so I can get back to the job I love. Please keep me in your thoughts. Thank you”

We’re all wishing for Brian’s speedy recovery and look forward to having him back on the air soon.

“Brian has a tough road ahead but he is strong and his spirits are good,” Ben Mevorach, Director of News and Programming for 1010 WINSsaid, “I spent a few hours with him Wednesday reading some of the hundreds of e-mails he has received from around the country.  It has lifted him immeasurably.”

If you’d like to send Brian well wishes, please comment on the CBS New York Facebook page.

Carey's brother, Jim Carey of Nanticoke, PA confirmed his brother had a broken jaw and said that he had been on a ventilator for about 15 hours but he was now breathing on his own.  Brian Carey may need several surgeries in coming days, but he is expected to survive, his brother said.

Jim Carey said Brian doesn't remember anything about the attack.