New York City police requested the public on Sunday to assist them in identifying a suspect who threw a subway rider in front of an approaching train this weekend, the latest attack on the nation’s busiest transportation system.
Witnesses at the scene assisted the victim, a 26-year-old male, back to the platform, however he had leg injuries. According to local media, he was treated at a nearby hospital.
“At around 11:50 a.m., the suspect shoved a 26-year-old guy into the train tracks as the “6” train approached the E 149 St & Southern Blvd subway station. Is there any information?” The New York Police Department announced the incident on Twitter.
Surveillance video showed the bearded suspect, who was dressed in a black ski jacket and vividly patterned leggings, approaching the victim from behind. The attack took place behind closed doors.
Over the last year, New York City has experienced an increase in violent crime, including random attacks on subway users.
Michelle Go, 40, was murdered in January after being shoved in front of a train at Times Square Station. After prosecutors failed to contest a mental exam that ruled him unable to face trial, her suspected assailant was sent to a psychiatric hospital.
The assassination of Go was considered as part of a spike in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans in New York and other major cities.
On April 12, a shooter detonated smoke bombs and opened fire inside a subway vehicle, injuring over 20 passengers. The next day, a suspect was apprehended.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said last month that cameras will be installed in every New York City subway carriages at a cost of around $3.5 million.
