Police are searching for a man who assaulted a 21-year-old woman aboard a northbound 5 train in the South Bronx, an afternoon attack that left her with facial injuries and sent her to Lincoln Hospital. The incident happened just before 2 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Third Avenue 6149th Street station. The suspect fled on foot and remains at large as investigators work to track him down.
According to News 12 Bronx, the man approached the woman and punched her repeatedly on the left side of her face before exiting the train. Authorities described the suspect as between 21 and 25 years old, last seen wearing a blue hoodie, dark gray pants and black sneakers and holding a black jacket. Police say anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Police appeal for tips
The NYPD is asking the public to help fill in the gaps. Tipsters can call 1-800-577-TIPS or submit an anonymous report through its Crime Stoppers portal and mobile app, per the NYPD. Detectives say that small pieces of information, such as a short video clip, a direction of flight or a clothing detail, can be critical in identifying suspects. Rewards for tips that lead to arrests may be offered through the Crime Stoppers program.
Where this fits in broader trends
Incidents like this remain relatively uncommon on the subway, but they have added to rider anxiety in recent years. Federal transit data show that assaults on public transportation have increased since the pandemic, particularly on buses and heavy rail, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Local advocates and officials continue to debate whether more police patrols, expanded outreach teams or other interventions are the best way to keep riders safe.
What to do if you saw something
If you witnessed the Dec. 29 attack or captured it on video, authorities say you should call 911 for emergencies and preserve any footage or images. For non-emergency tips, you can contact Crime Stoppers or the NYPD non-emergency number and the contact resources listed on the city's site, per the NYPD. When reporting, note any distinguishing details and the direction the suspect ran. Police say tipster information will be kept confidential.
