Just one day after Valentine’s Day, a tourist was stabbed at a Queens subway station seemingly at random. Unfortunately, another violent incident occurred at the same location just two days later on Saturday, February 17th.
Police say the most recent attack happened at around 12:55 A.M. at the Long Island City Queens Plaza subway station. The 31-year-old victim and the attacker reportedly got into an argument that continued to escalate until the attacker hit the victim with a pipe. While one blow was surely enough to incapacitate the victim, the attacker continued to strike several more times.
Eventually, the attacker ran off while witnesses called 911. Emergency medical personnel rushed the 31-year-old to the hospital where he was treated for cuts to his head. He’s currently in stable condition.
On February 18th, police released surveillance footage of the suspect to the public and asked for help in identifying him. The suspect appears to be around 40 and 50 years-old, 5-foot-9, and a medium build. He’s said to have a dark complexion and was seen in the surveillance footage wearing a gray hooded jacket, tan work boots, and a winter hat.
Just two days prior to this recent incident, a 29-year-old tourist from Brazil was stabbed at the same station. According to police reports, the victim was waiting on a platform at the time of the attack. There wasn’t any argument or situation that seemed to lead up to the incident.
This recent string of attacks is further contributing to the upward trend in assaults in the city’s transit system this year. Reports show that on February 12, 2023, there were about 58 reported attacks in the transit system, but there have already been 64 this year.
Violent Attacks: How to Navigate the City’s Transit System
The city’s transit system is clearly a dangerous place to navigate, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. That said, you may encounter violence, threats, or aggression that you’re not accustomed to. If you find yourself traversing the city’s transit system and you feel forced into using violence to protect yourself, then understand that you can use self-defense as a legal strategy to defend yourself from criminal charges.
Knowing the dangers associated with the subway station, you may have to resort to protecting yourself, and courtrooms understand that, too. That said, you should never use a show of force that’s unequal to the threat you’re facing. Avoid violence whenever possible.
Are you currently attempting to navigate criminal charges after a violent incident at a subway station? Here at Bukh Law Firm, our attorneys are prepared to help you fully understand the charges brought against you, the potential penalties associated with them, the options you have to defend yourself, and navigate the whole process. We’ll assist you with police questioning, provide the best possible representation we can, and work towards securing a favorable legal outcome for you.
Are you ready to get started? Schedule a call with our law firm now to learn more.
