Argument at NYC subway stop leads to teen slashed in face, NYPD says
NEW YORK -- A teen was slashed in the face during an argument at a New York City subway station late Friday night, according to police.
The 19-year-old victim and the suspect got into an argument at a turnstile at the Utica Avenue station in Crown Heights, Brooklyn just before 10 p.m., police said.
The fight continued as the teen walked out of the station along Eastern Parkway, where the suspect slashed him in the face and neck, investigators said.
According to police, the victim then ran back into the station to alert a transit officer, who then called the police. The teen was taken to Kings County Hospital and was last reported to be in stable condition.
Police have released a photo of an individual wanted in connection to the assault.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
Subway riders react to slashing
Subway riders told CBS News New York's Derick Waller they feel safe, but are also always keeping a lookout.
"I've never seen a situation like this since I've been here, so thank God it wasn't me," Wayne Manning said.
"I do feel like now, lately, it's been getting really crazy when it comes to, you know the train station ... Being aware and noticing something about to happen before it happens and being able to prevent, if we can. If it's safe enough, then we can intervene, but if it's not, it's understood that we have to get some other help," Charise Chapman said.
NYPD data shows transit crime is down about 7% citywide this year compared to this time last year, and down 26% where the slashing happened in Brooklyn's 77th Precinct.
"I usually ride it every day and I feel pretty safe. I've heard of a few incidents here and there, but there's always MTA workers and police officers here," said Melody Perez.