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Man escapes death after being pushed onto subway tracks in Chelsea, Manhattan; suspect charged with attempted murder
CHELSEA, Manhattan (WABC) — A man pushed into the path of an oncoming subway train in Manhattan narrowly escaped death, as the suspect in the case found he could not evade authorities.
Chilling video obtained by Eyewitness News shows a man standing close to the edge of the platform behind a couple of fare evaders, and another man approaching and casually shoving him in front of a 1 train just after 1:30 Tuesday afternoon at 18th Street.
First responders went between the stopped subway cars to rescue the 45-year-old victim and take him to Bellevue Hospital.
Sources tell Eyewitness News that the victim is a New York City resident and is in stable condition but suffered broken ribs and a fractured skull.
Less than an hour after the attack, a suspect was in custody. He was identified as Kamel Hawkins, 23, of Brooklyn.
A witness recounted the violent shove to Eyewitness News.
“It was absolutely violent, just a full lounge shove towards the man just pushing him onto the tracks, the man screamed as he was falling,” the witness said.
A horrific act just feet away from witness Andrea, her hands were still shaking.
The young professional in the Beauty industry did not want to be identified but her eyes filled with tears as she was informed that the victim seen here beingpushed directly in the path of an oncoming one train survived.
“I don’t know how, this poor man,” Andrea said.
Hawkins was quickly apprehended and held at 59th Street thanks to transit officers looking for the person in the video. He is charged with attempted murder and assault as a felony. He was ordered held and Hawkins is due back in court on Monday, January 6.
Hawkins, according to the NYP, has 9 prior arrests. On Octover 12th, 2024 he was charged with assault, harassment and weapons possession. In June of 2019 he was charged with the assault of an NYPD officer, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.
“I actually got a very weird vibe from him, I don’t know if it was the way he dressed. He had a facemask on. He had his hood up, made eye contact with him, just got a very weird vibe. So I just immediately sat down on the bench,” Andrea said.
Andrea ran to call 911. Cameras had already picked up the suspect and he was arrested quickly nearby.
I just panicked even just telling this story now I’m just starting to shake,” Andrea said.
Mayor Adams defended his efforts to get people off the subway system who are sleeping or seem like they need mental health services. He pointed to lower crime on the subway in 2024 and declines overall since 2009, but admits the perception just does not match the reality.
“People don’t want to hear that. They say, ‘someone just got burned, Eric.’ If someone is shoved to the subway system on the tracks, people are seeing and feeling what they’re reading. So our success is overshadowed,” Adams said.
The cameras that help lead to arrests also make the disturbing crimes more visible to more people.
Police believe the attack was random, they say he did not know the victim and said nothing to him before pushing him in front of the train.
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In a shocking incident that unfolded in Chelsea, Manhattan, a man narrowly escaped death after being pushed onto subway tracks. The suspect, who has been charged with attempted murder, allegedly pushed the victim onto the tracks at the 23rd Street station before fleeing the scene.
The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, was able to quickly climb back onto the platform with the help of bystanders before a train arrived. He was rushed to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect, identified as a 35-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, was apprehended by police shortly after the incident. He has been charged with attempted murder and is currently being held in custody.
This harrowing incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk in our everyday surroundings. It also highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of our surroundings, especially in crowded public spaces like subway stations.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. In the meantime, the victim is recovering from his traumatic experience and is grateful to be alive.
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- Chelsea subway violence
- Manhattan attempted murder case
- Suspect charged in subway incident
- NYC transit safety
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