A late-night subway ride turned ugly at the 149 Street-Grand Concourse station on Thursday, when a 65-year-old man was punched in the face as he boarded a southbound 2 train, leaving riders rattled and sparking a police search for the attacker. The assault happened at about 10:45 p.m. as the victim stepped onto the train, and the assailant bolted on foot before officers could catch up, according to police.
On Tuesday, NYPD Crime Stoppers put out a "WANTED FOR AN ASSAULT" bulletin on Facebook that included surveillance stills and a brief description of what happened. The post says an unidentified individual "approached and punched the victim in the face" while he was entering the southbound 2 train, then fled in an unknown direction. The incident location is listed as inside the 40th Precinct/Transit District 11. NYPD Crime Stoppers posted the alert on Tuesday.
How to help investigators
Detectives are hoping someone on that train or platform saw something, filmed something, or recognizes the suspect from the released images.
Anyone with video, photos, or information is urged to call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), use the Spanish hotline at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), or submit an anonymous report through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website. People who prefer social contact can also message the department on X at @NYPDTips.
Context: recent Bronx subway violence
The plea for tips comes as subway riders across the Bronx have been on edge over a string of recent incidents. Earlier this month, there was a separate A-train assault that left a rider wounded and a fatal platform attack at Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street, both highlighting how often investigators lean on public tips and surveillance footage to move cases forward.
What detectives want
Transit detectives say anyone who was on the southbound 2 train that night should hang on to any phone video and reach out with footage or observations. Police say the suspect ran off on foot and remains unidentified, and they are again pushing the tip line and online reporting options for anyone who can help. NYPD Crime Stoppers attached surveillance images to the bulletin for the public to review.
