A 25-year-old man, Curtis Signal, has been arrested in connection with assaults on three individuals in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn last Saturday morning. According to ABC7NY, the incidents occurred near the R line at 53rd Street and 4th Avenue, where Signal allegedly pushed a 51-year-old woman onto the subway tracks and struck two other women, ages 43 and 17, in the face.
Authorities report that the incidents began around 8:45 a.m. when Signal pushed the 51-year-old woman onto the subway tracks. He then allegedly attacked 43-year-old Benita Frias, causing serious injuries, including a broken knee that requires surgery. Frias is currently hospitalized and has expressed fear about using the subway, which she relies on for transportation, as per CBS News.
The incidents continued on the street, where Signal allegedly struck a 17-year-old girl, leaving all three victims in need of medical treatment. Police located Signal two blocks from the scene and arrested him on charges including assault, harassment, and reckless endangerment.
The NYPD reported a 17% increase in subway-related crime year-to-date, including a 10% rise in January compared with the previous year. The department cited the recent cold weather as a factor, as more people have been using the transit system, increasing crowding. In response to the overall rise in transit incidents, police presence has been strengthened.
The attacks have had a significant psychological impact on the victims. Benita Frias, a mother who works caring for elderly patients, was on her way home from an overnight shift when the assault occurred. According to CBS News New York, through her daughter Issamar, Frias expressed concern for her attacker and hopes for forgiveness.
