In a harrowing incident that has shaken the New York City community, a 25-year-old man was apprehended following a brutal assault on two women at a Brooklyn subway station. The attack, which occurred early Saturday morning, highlights ongoing concerns over safety in the city’s transit system.
Details of the Incident
The alarming episode took place around 8:45 a.m. on the R subway line at the intersection of 53rd Street and Fourth Avenue in Sunset Park. Curtis Signal allegedly pushed a 51-year-old woman onto the tracks without provocation, resulting in three broken ribs. Shortly thereafter, he turned his aggression towards another woman, aged 43, who was standing on the platform, delivering multiple punches to her face.
Eyewitness Al Rivera described the chaos, stating, “The guy was sitting on the platform and they were standing. All of a sudden he pushed her on the tracks and then he turned around and pounced on the other lady. He was hitting her, punching her in the face.” Quick-thinking bystanders intervened, pulling the woman off the tracks and back onto the platform, potentially saving her life.
Legal Consequences for Signal
Following the attack, Signal was charged with reckless endangerment, assault, and harassment. He was taken into custody near a men’s shelter in the vicinity. Reports indicate that this is not the first time Signal has come under scrutiny for violent behaviour; he is currently on probation until June 2027 due to previous offences.
In September 2023, he was implicated in an attack on a 67-year-old woman at another subway station, where he reportedly punched her repeatedly before fleeing the scene. His violent pattern continued with an incident involving a police officer just days later, where he left the officer with a broken nose. In addition, in May 2022, he faced charges for assaulting his 13-year-old sister, resulting in a black eye.
Community Response
The recent surge in subway violence has sparked fear among New Yorkers, many of whom rely on the subway for daily commutes. This incident adds to a growing list of assaults that have raised alarms about safety in public transport. Advocacy groups are calling for increased security measures and better mental health resources to address the root causes of such violence.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has been approached for further information regarding the incident and the measures being taken to ensure the safety of commuters.
Why it Matters
This latest incident underscores a troubling trend in urban violence, particularly within public transport systems. As cities worldwide grapple with the balance between maintaining public safety and ensuring the free movement of citizens, incidents like these fuel fears and raise critical questions about the effectiveness of current safety protocols. Enhanced measures are essential not only for protecting commuters but also for restoring public confidence in the transit system, which is vital for the economic and social vitality of urban areas.
