In a recent announcement by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., 29-year-old Peter Perna stands indicted for a violent attack in a Chelsea subway station that left a commuter severely injured. Perna faces serious charges including one count of Assault in the First Degree and two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, as per an indictment detailed by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
The incident, which occurred on March 17, at around 11:13 p.m. involved Perna pushing a 55-year-old man into a full height revolving door turnstile after a request to illegally access the subway system was denied, the D.A.’s office has detailed—resulting in the victim sustaining a head injury requiring roughly 20 stitches. Acknowledging the importance of transit safety, District Attorney Bragg said, "Our transit system is the heart of our city, and safety underground is paramount," even though transit crime continues to show a downward trend in Manhattan.
According to prosecutors, Perna fled the scene immediately after assaulting the victim who was simply making his way home from work. It wasn't until ten days later, on March 27, that Perna was apprehended by authorities. The prosecution team is led by Assistant D.A. Kristin Rainis with a group of other officials assisting, including those from Trial Bureau 30 and the Chief of the Trial Division, as cited by the Manhattan D.A.'s announcement.
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, especially Detective Richard Barcia of the Manhattan Transit Crime Squad and officers from the 17th Precinct, for their key role in making the arrest and responding to the violent incident in a busy subway station. As the case moves forward, Perna's alleged assault will be closely reviewed to seek justice for the victim.
