HOBOKEN (WABC) — A woman is recalling the terrifying incident when her childcare provider was viciously attacked on Halloween while sitting in a busy Hoboken park.

Police responded to reports of a man yelling and cursing at children and the elderly and then started hitting people.

The suspect was identified as Troy Timberlake, 31, and was taken into custody, police said.

Police said Timberlake was yelling and cursing at people as they walked past the gazebo in Church Square Park, including a woman he spat on.

When the woman turned to address the suspect, he punched her, chased her out of the park and punched her several times, knocking her unconscious, police said.

Joelle Robertson said her nanny, whom she calls “Bee,” said the attack was unprovoked.

“She’s such a positive person and takes amazing care of my kids,” Robertson said.

Bee was alone when she was punched, but children at the park were stunned after witnessing the crime, Robertson said.

“When he got to her, he spat on her, they asked why did you spit on me and then he decided to knock her down and punch her,” Robertson said.

Police said the man then approached another victim and hit him on the back of the head near the playground.

Hoboken EMS arrived to treat the victims and one victim was transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Timberlake was charged with aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim, cruelty to children and refusing to submit fingerprints, police said.

Police said the suspect was no stranger to law enforcement or crime.

“In the last 13 months, he’s been arrested four times, at least one assault before that, he originally came from Washington, DC, but our police department has dealt with him multiple times,” said Kenneth Ferrante, director of public safety Hoboken.

Residents of the city are wondering how a person with an extensive criminal record and personal problems is walking the streets creating chaos.

“This was such a horrible thing that it didn’t need to happen,” Robertson said.

Police patrols increased around the park.

A GoFundMe has exceeded expectations to help pay for the nanny’s hospitalization and recovery.

“She’s recovering at home, she’s still very swollen and sore,” Robertson said.

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