A Sunday afternoon ride on the R train turned into a crime scene when, around 3 p.m. on June 28, 2026, a 30-year-old woman was sexually abused aboard a northbound R as it approached the West 28 Street & Broadway station in Manhattan, according to police. The victim got off the train and was taken by EMS to a nearby hospital, while officers launched a search for the attacker.
🚨WANTED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE: On Sunday, June 28, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, a 30-year-old female victim was aboard a northbound “R” train approaching the West 28 Street & Broadway subway station when an unidentified individual sexually abused her. The victim exited the train and was transported by EMS to a local area hospital. Members of the public should contact @NYPDTips or 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Up to $3,500 reward.
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) June 30, 2026
NYPD Crime Stoppers Posts Wanted Alert
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the department issued a "WANTED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE" alert on June 30 asking riders to share tips, photos or video from the incident. The post notes that the individual is still unidentified and urges anyone with information to send a direct message to the account or call 1-800-577-TIPS, with a reward of up to $3,500 offered for information that leads to an arrest.
Transit Policing and Trends
The appeal comes as the NYPD and city officials continue to pour resources into subway safety, putting more officers on busy lines and watching transit crime trends closely. Recent NYPD briefings this year highlight a mix of declines in certain subway crimes and an uptick in reported sexual offenses after 2024 changes to state law broadened what is classified as rape.
What the Law Says
Under New York law, unwanted sexual contact on public transit can be prosecuted as forcible touching or sexual abuse, depending on what investigators determine happened. Penal Law §130.52 and §130.55 spell out those offenses, including potential penalties that vary with intent and circumstances. Detectives present their findings to the district attorney, who decides what charges to bring.
How Riders Can Help and Where Survivors Can Get Support
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the train car at the time or who has video from in or around the West 28 Street & Broadway area on June 28 to save that footage and contact police. For anonymous tips and the official hotline, visit NYPD Crime Stoppers; survivors seeking immediate help can call Safe Horizon at 1-800-621-4673 or the NYPD Special Victims Division at 212-267-RAPE. Those organizations can connect callers with crisis counseling, medical referrals and information on reporting options.
The investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with information or relevant footage to reach out to Crime Stoppers or their local precinct so detectives can follow up. Tips can be submitted via direct message to @NYPDTips or by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, and any potential evidence such as video should be preserved for investigators.
