Cops are looking for the human suspect behind a vicious Union Square dog attack in which he ordered his canine to bite a fellow commuter inside the subway station over the weekend.
Police said the 54-year-old man was left hospitalized following the bloody assault on the southbound platform of the N/Q/R/W lines inside the station at about 5:20 p.m. on Jan. 24.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the victim had just departed an R train and was walking on the platform when the owner’s dog, a German shepherd, jumped on him.
The straphanger became enraged and told the pooch’s owner to “control” the dog, sources familiar with the case said. The owner retaliated by slapping the man and removing his dog’s muzzle.
“Take care of your business,” the man reportedly stated before siccing the dog on the victim.
The German shepherd then pounced on the straphanger, viciously biting the 54-year-old on his left hand.
After taking a bite out of the straphanger, the dog and its owner fled from the station to parts unknown.
The incident was reported to the 13th Precinct and NYPD Transit District 4. EMS brought the victim to NYU Langone Tisch Hospital for treatment of lacerations to his hand; he was listed in stable condition.
On Sunday, the NYPD released images of the suspect and dog owner, who was last seen wearing a black hat, a camouflage jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes.
Anyone with information regarding this attack can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
