Woman, 62, pushed onto Brooklyn subway tracks after being asked for lighter, police say

NEW YORK - A woman is recovering after she was pushed onto the subway tracks during the Thursday morning commute in Brooklyn. She was not struck by a train.

Police said a man, who appeared to be in his 30s, approached the 62-year-old woman and asked her for a lighter. When she did not reply, he allegedly pushed her onto the tracks. Police say bystanders helped pull the woman back onto the platform.

The woman was taken to a local hospital with a cut on her leg and swelling to her head.

Police said the suspect fled the station in an unknown direction. 

Anyone with any information about the attack is asked to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish, or submit a tip on their website.

Riders react to attack in Brooklyn subway station

It happened shortly before 6 a.m. on the L train platform at the Jefferson Street station in Bushwick. Riders said the station isn't usually too hectic, but many weren't shocked by the attack. 

"Once in a while, we see something. But most of the time, it's calm," one rider said. 

"I've always loved the L train, but yeah, lately it's been pretty hectic, there's been a lot more people than usual," another rider added. "And obviously, the trains are just crazy nowadays."

"We're not not used to it here in the city, but it still sucks that you have to take care of yourself," said another rider. "Be aware, and wonder where the resources are going."