Police seek suspect who shoved grandfather onto subway tracks at 68th Street station
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Police are investigating after a 74-year-old man was randomly pushed onto the tracks at an Upper East Side subway station.
Officials say it happened after midnight Tuesday on the 6 train platform in the 68th Street - Hunter College station.
The victim, who works at a parking garage on Fifth Avenue, was accused by the suspect of staring at him before he was shoved onto the tracks.
The suspect is believed to be homeless and have mental issues. Police released video Tuesday evening of an individual wanted in connection with the assault.
Thankfully, no train was coming at the time and an MTA employee was able to help the victim off the tracks. The suspect fled the scene.
Initially the victim's injuries seemed to be minor, but doctors have since determined he has multiple rib and pelvic injuries, as well as a spine fracture.
His back and neck landed on the subway tracks, and he has since been admitted to the hospital.
His family said he was shoved so hard there is still a handprint on his chest. He is a father of three who has five grandkids and three great-grandchildren.
The victim's granddaughter said he is a feisty man who never looks for trouble.
"His day is coming, that's it, you don't just go around hurting people, we're all human beings, we're all supposed to take care of each other just like the animals take care of each other," Karry-Ann Martin said. "You watch the pride, the lion pride, everybody has their job, everybody is different, different race, different color, but that's what makes us special. You hurt an elder...I hope the police catch up with him, that's all I have to say."
The suspect was described as a man in his 30s, about 200 pounds, with a dark complexion. He was said to be wearing black pants and a tan shirt, police said.
No arrests have been made.
Data shows that 10 people have been pushed onto the subway tracks so far this year, which is almost half of the 19 at this point last year.
Police said even though incidents like this are rare, they are alarming and the department's top priority.
"This incident was captured on video, there was video on that platform, and image of the perpetrator has been created," said NYPD Chief Michael Kemper.
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