Geriatrics slug it out over parking spot
By David Menzies
A tale of two New Yorkers getting into an altercation over a parking spot is about as newsworthy as reporting there’s a lot of cold, salty water in the Atlantic Ocean.
Then there’s the bizarre case of Gersh Gofman and Steve Pulwers – two Big Apple geriatrics that went at it hammer and tong over street parking.
The problem began when Gofman, 83, parked his car in front of the driveway outside of the house belonging to Pulwers, 99.
Pulwers, who lives above a doctor’s office, said he was putting out the trash when the doctor returned from an emergency call. The doc couldn’t get into his driveway and began to honk his horn in an ill-fated attempt to get Gofman to pull ahead. That’s when Pulwers began knocking on Gofman’s window. Apparently, everybody got tired of waiting for Gofman.
“I say, ‘Gentleman, the doctor wants to go into the garage,’ Pulwers told the New York Post. “He did not answer.”
Well, actually, Gofman eventually responded – with his metal steering wheel lock. Junior got out of his car and soundly clubbed Pulwers with The Club.
The near-centenarian was knocked to the ground and pinned. Pulwers said he tried to use his coat to defend himself, but continued to suffer repeated blows.
Who knows what thoughts were running through the head of Pulwers at this moment? Our guess is something along these lines: “I can’t believe this... I’m a Holocaust survivor and I’m just two months away from the century mark and I’m going to buy the farm from some deranged whippersnapper who wants to park illegally.”
Gofman, who hadn’t said a word up to that point, then threatened Pulwers in Russian.
“He said he was going to send somebody to cut off my balls,” Pulwers said.
The doctor called the police and Gofman was arrested. Pulwers was taken to hospital where he was treated for a broken nose and broken ribs.
“He's much younger than me, much stronger. He could be my son,” Pulwers said of Gofman.
Gofman was charged with assault, menacing and harassment, and released without bail. He’s due back in court February 25.
But even in being released, Gofman proved to be a destructive force. Fleeing the news media, Gofman concealed his head, threw his car into reverse, and promptly T-boned an SUV belonging to a TV news crew.
Gofman... you’re a real goof, man.
Posted by: Steve | 2010-01-25 6:06:58 AM
Young people nowadays ! "In the old days things were so much better, people respected their elders!"
Oh! These people are from "the old days"? Hmmm
Posted by: ben | 2010-01-25 11:01:01 AM
both shouldn't be driving and how did they make it to that age without learning anything in their lives ?
Posted by: Tiara | 2010-01-25 12:41:28 PM
when i get old, i hope i get a get out of jail free card lol
Posted by: Daniel DeWitt | 2010-01-25 1:22:51 PM
Geriatrics is the medicine for the elderly. How does elderly people medicine fight for a parking space? Artical makes no sense.
Posted by: david gray | 2010-01-25 3:34:36 PM
I would check that guy for alziemers!
Posted by: What goes around... | 2010-01-25 3:54:50 PM
That's karma for you.. Beating someone senseless because he asks you to move.. He got what he deserved both times.
Posted by: geodon | 2010-01-25 5:20:50 PM
gofmen Should be sent to jail geeez assault with a deadly weapon , death threats , clear disregard for anyones safety !!!! ,pulwers is a hero Nuff Said
Posted by: josh smith | 2010-01-25 8:23:23 PM
This guy should grow up.
Posted by: Lisa | 2010-02-09 1:18:03 AM
To Daniel DeWitt, Geriatircs actually means to study the elderly, so it is used on the right context and the article makes complete sense. Maybe you are already of the gariatric age? Plus you spelled article wrong. Gofman obviously needs his license taken away.
Posted by: D. Winters | 2010-02-09 2:09:45 PM
What was the Doctor doing while this was going on?
Posted by: CB | 2010-02-12 11:18:00 AM
Lisa, you spelled geriatrics wrong TWICE. P.S. It is not only the study of the elderly, geriatric is also a noun which simply means an elderly person.