NYC man robs subway rider's bag, slashes face with knife when confronted
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The New York Police Department has launched a manhunt for an unknown person accused of a knife attack and robbery of a construction tools bag in the New York City subway system, near Union Square subway station in Manhattan on Saturday, November 12.
According to reports, the victim, at around 3.47 pm ET, a 27-year-old man, was riding a Southbound N train that came to a stop near Union Square,14th Street station. As the train doors opened, the suspect grabbed the victim's bag and began walking on the Southbound platform.
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The victim followed the suspected robber down the flatform in a failed attempt to get his bag back. The bag contained construction tools and a pair of boots, which had a total estimated worth of $420. As the victim confronted the accused, a verbal dispute broke out between the two and the attacker pulled a knife and slashed the victim on the left side of his face, Fox News reported. He was treated for a minor laceration at the scene, while some reports say he refused medical treatment. The accused immediately fled the scene after the attack.
Surveillance images circulated by the police department show the suspect wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, glasses, grey pants, and a blue surgical face mask, the report claimed. Police are asking for public help too in tracking him down.
With more number of riders returning on trains, the crime rate is rising, as per officials, reported ABC7. They said transit crime this year has shot up to 40% in comparison to last year. "It's terrifying, and I'm a New Yorker from Texas, so it scares me even more," the outlet quoted a woman saying. Another concerned citizen said, "I just want to make it home safe, I don't want to get slashed in the face," as per the report.
This is a developing story and MEAWW will keep you updated.