Josue Romano, a 47-year-old nurse, recounted the harrowing experience of being shoved into an oncoming D-train by an unidentified man at the Fordham Road station on June 27. The attack left Romano with a concussion and injuries to his face and mouth.
Romano stated that he was waiting for the southbound train around 2:20 p.m. when he noticed the assailant acting strangely and appearing to search his duffel bag. He attempted to distance himself from the individual, but the man suddenly lunged and pushed him forcefully. "But did anybody help me out? Nobody helped me out," Romano said. "No, not even the conductor. There were people inside the train, and nobody came out to ask what happened to me."
He was found unconscious and bleeding on the platform and was subsequently treated at St. Barnabas Hospital. The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the suspect, described as wearing a white undershirt and dark pants, and is asking for public assistance in identifying him. The suspect remains at large.
Romano expressed skepticism regarding official claims that the city's subway system is safer, citing his experience and a perception of increased crime. While NYPD statistics indicated a slight decrease in major crime in the subway system in June compared to the previous year, felony assaults saw an increase of 20 incidents during the same period. "The statistics don’t mean anything," Romano stated. "I think what we see is what goes on and today is not the same as yesterday. The crime has grown more now than before."
The NYPD is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online via their website or X account.