Unprovoked Subway Assault Prompts Arrest of Parolee
Suspect with a Violent History Attacks Woman in Manhattan Station
A shocking incident unfolded in Manhattan’s subway system on Sunday when a 42-year-old man, recently released on parole for a previous violent crime, allegedly attacked a woman without provocation. The suspect, identified as Rolan Reid, is accused of hitting the victim with a metal rod after she declined his request to swipe him into the station.
The Incident Details
According to police reports, the assault occurred around 2:45 PM at the 14th Street B/D/F station. Reid approached a 28-year-old woman in the mezzanine and asked her to use her MetroCard for entry. When she refused, he struck her with a metal rod and then punched her in the arm. Paramedics transported the victim to Bellevue Hospital, where she was treated for a laceration and later reported to be in stable condition.
Background on Rolan Reid
Reid has a troubling criminal history. He was previously convicted for attempted murder after violently confronting a transgender woman in 2015. During that incident, Reid reportedly shoved the victim onto the train tracks while making anti-transgender remarks. He was charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree attempted murder. Reid is currently on parole until March 2028 and has faced additional charges over 20 previous arrests, primarily related to transit offenses.
In the most recent incident, Reid has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a forged instrument—specifically, 14 bent MetroCards—and criminal possession of a weapon. He was apprehended almost immediately by officers from Transit District Two.
Subway Crime Trends
Despite this alarming attack, overall subway crime has seen a significant decline, with reported figures indicating this is the second-lowest crime rate in 27 years. In early April, NYPD statistics revealed an 18% drop in major crimes during the first quarter, along with a notable reduction in violent incidents.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch attributed this reduction to increased patrols and strategic policing efforts, emphasizing that subway safety is at its highest in nearly a decade. "The women and men of the NYPD are driving record-breaking reductions in crime and violence," Tisch remarked in a recent report, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain a secure transit environment.
Additional Incident in Brooklyn
In a separate development the same day, three teenagers cornered a 14-year-old boy at a Brooklyn subway station, robbing him of his iPhone and personal belongings. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.
As developments continue, authorities urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.