Cops: Woman killed after being shoved in front of NYC subway train
NEW YORK — A 49-year-old woman died Monday afternoon after being pushed in front of a New York City subway train as it pulled into the Times Square station, police told CBS New York.
Officials said the incident happened at around 1:20 p.m. Monday, on the southbound No. 1 train platform at 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue.
A 30-year-old female suspect was taken into custody shortly after. The suspect been arrested on murder charges.
Police say Melanie Liverpool, of Queens, was apprehended moments after she pushed a woman standing on a subway platform into an oncoming train.
Police say witnesses flagged down two police officers standing on the platform after the incident.
“The people that were on that platform did exactly what we wanted them to. If they saw something, they said something,” said NYPD Chief of Manhattan South Detectives William Aubry, “and they saw this woman push another woman, and they flagged down two police officers that were standing on the platform.”
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police were looking at video surveillance to determine what led to the attack.
Police sources told CBS New York the incident was unprovoked. Officers late Monday afternoon were talking to witnesses who said they heard a quarrel, sources said.
The suspect was confirmed to have a history of psychiatric issues, and police believe she may have been talking or yelling to herself, sources said.
Commuters who came into the station after the incident seemed rattled.
“I’ll be aware all the time,” said East Village commuter Albert Sousa. “I don’t take a chance because you never know who is next to you.”