Homeless man given boots by officer identified

Homeless man given boots by officer identified

Posted: Updated:
MYFOXNY.COM -

The family of the homeless man who received a pair of boots by a NYPD officer in Times Square was stunned to find out he was their relative.

The New York Post says the homeless man's name is Jeffrey Hillman and his brother, Kirk Hillman was surprised when he saw a copy of The Post with his youngest brother on the front page.

The 54-year-old vagrant gained national attention when NYPD officer Larry DePrimo brought him a pair of boots. A tourist from Arizona captured the moment on video and it went viral.

Kirk Hillman's wife told The Post she followed the story on TV, but never recognized the homeless man as her own brother-in law. She said the last time they talked to him was about a year ago.

Kirk, Jeffrey and their brother Alfred grew up in South Plainfield, NJ. The family said Jeffrey has been jobless since the 1980's.

Hillman has been living in homeless shelters and most recently in Hell's Kitchen and Harlem, according to The Post.

  • Manhattan NewsManhattan News

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
    Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
    Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
  • New York City's massive teachers' union is backing former City Comptroller Bill Thompson for mayor.
    New York City's massive teachers' union is backing former City Comptroller Bill Thompson for mayor.
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:13:39 GMT
    The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
    The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Powered by WorldNow

FOX 13 / WTVT-TV
3213 West Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33609
Main: (813) 876-1313
Newsroom: (813) 870-9630
Fax: (813) 871-3135

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices