Search On For 2 Men After Dispute Over Seats On 6 Train Ends In Attack
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have released a surveillance image of two men wanted for allegedly attacking two subway riders in East Harlem after an apparent fight over seats.
The dispute happened around 9 p.m. Thursday as a 6 train was pulling into the station at East 110th Street and Lexington Avenue.
In the melee, a 35-year-old man was slashed in the face and a 59-year-old man punched repeatedly before both were pepper sprayed, police said. One of the victims is partially blind and suffered a severe injury to his ear.
"Blood all over, so I didn't really know. I knew his ear was like leaking, halfway off," one witness said.
"We just looked at it and thought, 'Oh my goodness this is crazy, let's go home right now,'" another said.
Surveillance video shows the chaotic scene outside the station as an ambulance responded to emergency calls for help. Amidst the confusion, the two suspects were able to get away.
The incident terrified some subway riders.
"I'm from California and I've never seen anything like this," said Topaz Smalley. "This is my first subway experience and I'm scared."
"We see this kind of stuff in the movies, so I'm thinking 'Oh my goodness it really does happen out here," another straphanger said.
"I'm already planning on getting a car because of the things that go on on the train," said Ronald Coleman of East Harlem.
"People better start taking the bus if it's like that on the train," another straphanger said. "It's crazy, it's awful."
"It's time to come together and be human again, that's really terrible," said Florette Kengne of East Harlem.
Both victims were taken to Metropolitan Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, visit the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.