Police: Subway rider falls onto tracks after being punched in latest unprovoked attack
NEW YORK - Police are investigating another subway attack, just as city leaders announce new plans to address transit crimes.
The latest incident happened around 9:45 p.m. Sunday on the southbound 4 train platform at East 149th and Grand Concourse in Mott Haven, the Bronx.
Police said a 62-year-old man was randomly punched in what appears to be part of the "knockout game" and fell onto the tracks.
Officers managed to help the victim to safety and arrest his attacker.
"It's scary, because I come on this subway every day, and my kids, as well," Mott Haven resident Rosa Gonzalez told CBS2.
Commuters said they weren't surprised and have experienced issues themselves.
"Harassment, a lot of people yelling in the subways, on the platforms," said resident Sabrina Wilson.
As CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis reported, there were nearly a dozen violent incidents in the subway system last week alone. Among the victims, David Martin was pushed onto the tracks at Wyckoff and Myrtle avenues in Brooklyn.
"My collarbone is broken and everything around it is sprained, so I can barely move my left side," Martin told CBS2.
Year-to-date, NYPD stats show overall citywide crime is up more than 30% compared to last year. We asked riders what they think is the solution.
"More police, more help for the mentally ill, and I think that will help out a lot," Wilson said.
Over the weekend, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced a joint city/state initiative called "Cops, Cameras, Care." It includes ramping up officer presence on platforms and trains, adding 1,200 daily overtime shifts.
"This will dramatically increase police presence on our trains, deter crime and disorder," Adams said. "That uniform means a lot."
The plan also includes adding cameras on individual train cars. The third component, "Care," involves adding dedicated units at psychiatric centers for those with serious mental health illness to get the help they need.
"We're going to open a new psychiatric facility, a brand new psychiatric facility, for the severe mental illness cases," MTA Chair Janno Lieber said. "The 'care' part has not been here. We're going to get some of these people out of the public space. It is disproportionately impacting the experience in New York."
First responders will also get special training for engaging with those experiencing homelessness.
The police commissioner said announcements will be made by subway conductors to notify commuters when officers are present.
"The announcements are so riders are aware that our police are there and they can offer assistance," said Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell.
Back to the latest incident in the Bronx, police arrested 21-year-old Deshaun Smith on charges of reckless endangerment, assault and harassment.
