Transit police in Queens are on the hunt for the brute who beat and robbed a man on board a subway train — and a parasitic bystander who later stole from the unconscious victim — in a violent attack earlier this month.
Early on Sunday morning, the NYPD released images of the two suspects wanted for the heinous mugging, which occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on May 15 on board a Manhattan-bound F train at the 21st Street-Queensbridge station in Long Island City.
Law enforcement sources said the victim, a 61-year-old man, became engaged with the first suspect in a verbal argument. What triggered the argument, however, was not disclosed.
The words eventually turned to violence, cops said, when the perpetrator went on the attack, punching and kicking the victim multiple times about the head and face. The assault was so severe that the victim lost consciousness.
Even with the victim knocked out, authorities said, the relentless assailant continued to assault the victim. Seconds later, he rifled through he man’s pockets, stole property, and fled the scene on foot.
With the victim still unconscious, police reported, the second suspect made his move and took advantage of the situation. He removed $45 in cash and other property from the victim’s pocket, then also fled the scene.
The incident was reported to the 114th Precinct and NYPD Transit District 20. EMS rushed the victim to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical but stable condition.
Police described the assailant in the case as a man with a dark complexion, standing about 6 feet, 2 inches tall, with black hair. He was last seen wearing a black vest over a yellow hooded sweatshirt.
Cops said the second suspect is a man with a heavy build who was last seen wearing a black baseball cap with the Nike swoosh and a black sweater with the AYA logo on the front while carrying a black rectangular backpack.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts 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.
