by New York City, NY – A violent stretch of assaults across the city’s subway system left four people injured in just over 24 hours, including an MTA worker and two teenagers, police said Tuesday. The incidents, which unfolded in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, have renewed concerns about safety on platforms and trains amid a series of random and unprovoked attacks.
Transit Worker Punched on Queens Platform
The first incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. Sunday at the 74th Street–Roosevelt Avenue station in Jackson Heights, Queens, where a man wearing a black ski mask punched a 46-year-old MTA employee in the face on the northbound No. 7 train platform, according to police.
Authorities said the assailant appeared to be a stranger and confronted the worker moments before the attack.
“Do you know me?” the suspect asked before striking the employee, law enforcement sources said.
The attacker fled the station, leaving the transit worker injured. The victim was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he was listed in stable condition. Police described the suspect as wearing clear glasses, a black jacket, black pants, and black shoes, adding that he briefly had on a black ski mask during the assault.
Teen Slashed at Queens Subway Entrance
The violence continued around 3 p.m. Monday at the Seneca Avenue M train station in Ridgewood, Queens, where a 16-year-old boy was attacked by a stranger, police said.
The teen was standing near the station entrance when the suspect slashed him in the back of the head with a knife. Emergency responders rushed the victim to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.
The attacker fled and remained at large as of Tuesday, according to police updates shared by the NYPD.
Bronx Brawl Leaves Teen Stabbed
Just hours later, during the Monday evening rush, another violent encounter erupted on the Freeman Street station platform in Crotona Park East, the Bronx. Police said an 18-year-old man became involved in a fight with a stranger believed to be in his 30s around 6:30 p.m.
During the confrontation, the suspect stabbed the teen in the back and slashed his neck and elbow, authorities said. The victim was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. The attacker fled the scene, and police said it was unclear what sparked the fight.
Fourth Attack in Brooklyn Station
About 30 minutes later, another stabbing was reported at the Rockaway Avenue No. 3 train station in Brownsville, Brooklyn. A 33-year-old man was slashed across the forehead during a violent altercation with a stranger believed to be in his 20s, police said.
The victim was taken to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. The suspect fled and has not been apprehended.
Earlier Push Onto Tracks Adds to Alarm
The string of attacks followed another disturbing subway incident earlier on Sunday morning. Around 4:55 a.m., a 35-year-old man was randomly shoved onto the tracks at the 36th Street station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, police said.
Authorities said the suspect pushed the victim without saying a word before fleeing. Responding officers helped the man back onto the platform. He was listed in stable condition.
Police Response and Public Safety Concerns
The NYPD said detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and asking the public for help identifying the suspects. Officials noted that the arrests in these cases remain a priority as concerns mount over random violence in the transit system.
City leaders and transit officials have continued to emphasize increased patrols and visibility across stations, while urging riders to remain alert and report suspicious behavior immediately. Additional details about subway safety measures can be found through the NYPD’s public safety updates, which officials say are being reviewed in light of the recent incidents.
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