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NYPD adds Patrols to the subway and major cross streets to prevent random acts of violence.
APB Staff Writer March 4, 2016
A recent string of face slashings on the city’s subway has some riders nervous, while many advise to be aware for any strange behavior.
This month, police reported two slashings of female subway riders. The first occurred at the Broadway-Lafayette subway station as the victim was exiting the D train at around 6:50 a.m. The suspect — who is still at large — slashed the woman’s face and fled.
Later that same morning at 7:30 a.m. a 71-year-old woman was attacked on a 6 train at the Bleecker Street station, leaving her with a 4-inch cut across her cheek. The slasher was later turned in to the police by his own grandmother.
Another attack occurred at the 116th Street station in East Harlem. A 32-year-old man was waiting for the 6 train when another man approached him and cut his face before running away.
That same night, a 29-year-old woman was cut on her right hand by another subway rider who allegedly said “I will chop up on this train,” before hitting her with an object wrapped in a cloth.
Since the start of the new year, a total of 11 face slashings have occurred in the city, according to the NYPD.
Police said the number of slashings and stabbings has increased 14.8 percent with 286 incidents this January — compared to 249 during the same period in 2015.
Although these recent crimes have occurred randomly, police officials have stated that the majority of stabbings reported are not random.
Police Commissioner William Bratton said there is a large police presence on the subways and authorities are making quick arrests.
According to police, if anyone sees something suspicious they are asked either to call 911 or reach out to a police officer at the station.
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