The reporter behind the “Help Me Howard” consumer segments on WPIX was assaulted by a bat-wielding man while on assignment in the Bronx Tuesday.

Howard Thompson and his photographer John Frasse were attacked at Benji Auto Sales on East 180th Street near Washington Avenue in The Bronx at around 12:30 p.m., according to police.

Jose Lebron-Pimentel, 36, came outside with a baseball bat and swung it at Thompson, cops said.

The investigative reporter was struck in the hip and suffered pain and swelling. He refused medical attention at the scene.

Fasse was also not seriously injured, the network said.

Lebron-Pimentel was taken into custody and charged with assault.

Thompson’s segments usually go after shady businessman and crooked landlords in defense of their frustrated customers.