New York City – Police in Queens are currently investigating two violent attacks that occurred at the Queens Plaza subway station. The first incident involved a 31-year-old man who was assaulted with a metal pipe, sustaining multiple blows to the head. Authorities have released surveillance images of the suspect, describing him as having a dark complexion, a medium build, and wearing a skull cap, grey hooded jacket, dark grey jeans, and tan work boots. Just two days prior to this attack, another incident took place on the same platform, where a 29-year-old man from Brazil was slashed from behind on the left side of his neck. The victim is expected to recover, and surveillance pictures of the suspect involved in this slashing have also been released.
NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper highlighted the department’s efforts to combat these crimes, emphasizing the increased presence of law enforcement personnel in the subway system. Despite these measures, he expressed concerns over the persistent cycle of lawlessness.
In the Bronx, the NYPD is actively searching for a teenager in connection with the fatal shooting of a 35-year-old man at the Mount Eden station. Maurice Stewart, 15, is believed to be the perpetrator responsible for the fatal shot, which also injured five other individuals. Additionally, a 16-year-old has been charged in connection with the shooting.
A separate incident in the Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue subway station involved a 70-year-old man who was pushed to the ground, with the suspect remaining at large. Kemper expressed frustration at the recidivism rate, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public safety in the subway system.
Overall crime data for the subway system indicates a notable increase of 22.6%, reflecting a concerning trend in the rise of criminal activities within the transit system. This ongoing trend presents substantial challenges for law enforcement in ensuring the safety and security of subway passengers.