Video: Police officers, good Samaritan pull man from subway tracks as train nears station
EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Two police officers and a Good Samaritan saved a man who had fallen off of a subway platform and down onto the tracks on Thanksgiving Day in Manhattan.
The officers were on patrol on a platform at the 116th Street station in East Harlem around 4 p.m. when they heard a commotion on the opposite platform.
"I noticed a few people in the train making a commotion and then I heard a loud scream,: said officer Brunel Victor.
Victor and his partner, Taufique Bokth did not know what it was - but immediately sprung into action.
Bodycam video shows the officers sprinting up the stairs to streel level - then racing across traffic to get to the opposite side of the platform.
"Then someone told me, 'officer, you have two minutes, train is coming.' But I didn't look back, I just jumped in," said Officer Bokth.
There was a Good Samaritan already on the tracks, desperately trying to lift the victim. He was semi-conscious, able to tell the officers he was dizzy and in pain.
As Officer Bokth tried to lift himself up, his gun belt got caught on the platform. The train was coming quickly.
Bokth did not panic. His partner and the Good Samaritan pulled him up.
"Our daily thing is to help people. We don't care what if we have to put ourselves on the line. That's why we do, that's why we take this job," said Officer Victor.
The officers were posted at the station as part of the mayor and governor's subway safety plan.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber release the following statement:
"The joint commitment by Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams to have additional NYPD officers patrol in subway stations and on trains not only helps riders feel safer, but in this case enabled brave officers and a good Samaritan - in the finest tradition of New Yorkers helping each other - to save a life."
The victim suffered a medical episode and is expected to be ok.
As for the Good Samaritan - officers have no idea who he is. After he helped rescue the victim off the tracks, he hopped on the next train.
"I just wanted to say thank you to him," said Officer Bokth.
"Doesn't matter what time, what holiday, I'm on duty. I'm expected to perform my duties as best as I can," added Officer Victor.
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