Subway Riders 'Shocked' By Attack At 59th Street-Columbus Circle Station
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two men were on the run Monday, and some subway riders were on edge, after video showed the suspects kicking and beating a man with brass knuckles at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle subway station.
As CBS2's Ali Bauman reported, the attack happened around 5 a.m. Sunday. Police said two men came up to a 25-year-old man and knocked him to the floor on the A train platform.
The suspects kicked the man while he was on the floor and one of them was wearing brass knuckles during the attack, police said.
The suspects took $350 in cash and other items from the man and fled on a southbound A train, police said.
"I think that you have to watch what you're doing at any point, but it's always really sad to hear something like that," said commuter Stephanie Ricoy.
"I only work through Monday to Friday. I do the papers there. I do the metro paper. And so far, I've been seeing a lot of crazy people over here sometimes, but they haven't messed with me so far," another man said.
Columbus Circle is one of the top 10 busiest stations in the city and houses the NYPD's District 1 Transit Bureau. Commuters said police patrols are a regular sight.
"There's been a lot more police officers here lately and there's always somebody on duty that I've seen, and I come here regularly in the mornings and right after work," one woman said.
"You know that there's security, there's police around all the time," added Mike Bonser. "It's just shocking to hear this kind of news."
But some New Yorkers said you can't be too safe. Danielle Phillip heard about the attack on Monday morning, and decided she and her husband should escort their daughter to school through the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station – all the way from Brooklyn.
"Outrageous, it's crazy. My husband came with us this morning," Phillip said.
Other subway riders were likewise unsettled.
"Things are getting crazy," another subway rider named Kenny told 1010 WINS' John Montone. "People don't have any respect for anybody else and it's really the worst part about it all."
"I'm on my guard," another man said. "I'm always on my guard."
The victim was released from the hospital after being treated for cuts and bruises to his face.
Police released surveillance photos and video of the suspects.
One of the suspects was described as a Hispanic male in his 30s standing 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was last seen wearing gray hooded sweater and light-colored pants.
The other suspect was described as a black male in his 30s, also standing 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, a black long sleeved undershirt and black pants.
Anyone with information was asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS or (888) 57-PISTA for Spanish, visit the Crime Stoppers website or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
