The attack happened Friday afternoon just before 4 p.m. on the southbound N/Q/R train platform.
Police say the suspect grabbed the victim's bag as the doors opened on an N train.
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The victim followed the suspect down the platform and was slashed in the face as he confronted him.
The suspect fled with the victim's bag, which contained about $420 worth of construction tools and a pair of boots.
The 27-year-old victim refused medical treatment.
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Investigators released surveillance images of the suspect Saturday morning.
He is seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, gray pants, glasses and a blue surgical face mask. Police are asking for the public's help tracking him down.
Call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit tips by visiting the CrimeStoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by messaging on Twitter @NYPDTips.
With more riders back on the trains, officials report that crime is rising. Transit crime this year, compared to transit crime last year, is up 40 percent.
Riders told Eyewitness News word of this latest attack is unsettling.
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"I just want to make it home safe, I don't want to get slashed in the face," said Julisa Posada.
"It's terrifying, and I'm a New Yorker from Texas, so it scares me even more," said Jocelyn Rausch.
New Yorkers say they have growing concerns every time they hear of subway crime, and they are at ease when they see officers and they want more of them.
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