A Queens commuter was assaulted on a southbound F train last Tuesday morning, prompting concern at the 74th Street–Roosevelt Avenue station in Jackson Heights as police search for a suspect captured on surveillance footage. Detectives released images from the incident to aid in the investigation.
According to the NYPD, as reported by PIX11, the assault took place around 8:10 a.m. on a southbound F train pulling into the 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue station. The victim, a 35-year-old man, was treated on scene by EMS and is now recovering, police told the outlet. Investigators circulated images of a person of interest who was last seen in a black hat, dark jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes, and who allegedly exited at the 53rd Street-Lexington Avenue station after the attack.
Police ask public for tips
The NYPD is asking anyone who might recognize the person in the images or who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or text 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577, per NYPD Crime Stoppers. Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers portal, and callers are allowed to remain anonymous. Detectives say they are combing through available video from the train and the stations and following up on multiple leads as the investigation moves forward.
Roosevelt hub has seen other recent incidents
The latest call for help comes on the heels of a separate case at the same Roosevelt Avenue complex, where an on-duty MTA conductor was punched on Jan. 20, an incident detailed in conductor punched on platform. That episode, along with other recent scuffles at heavily trafficked Queens stations, has only added to the unease among transit workers and daily riders during peak commuting hours.
Investigators are urging anyone who was aboard the southbound F around 8:10 a.m. last Tuesday to check their phones for photos or video and to save anything that might show the suspect. Riders who believe they captured relevant footage or who saw something on the train are asked to get in touch with the NYPD or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers. Police say that even small details could help them piece together exactly what happened and who is responsible.
