Arrest Made in Violent, Unprovoked Stabbing of 21-Year-Old Man Aboard Southbound 5 Train in Olinville, Bronx; Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder and Assault
BRONX, NY — An arrest has been made in connection with a violent, unprovoked stabbing that occurred aboard a subway train in the Olinville section of The Bronx early Friday morning. The incident, which took place on the southbound 5 train, left a 21-year-old man seriously injured.
The Incident
At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Friday, April 18, the victim was aboard a southbound 5 train as it approached the East 219th Street subway station, near White Plains Road. Without any warning or prior interaction, the victim was approached by an unknown man who then displayed a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times in the torso.
The victim was left injured and in need of urgent medical attention. EMS quickly arrived on the scene and transported him to NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi in stable condition. Authorities say that while his injuries were serious, they were not considered life-threatening.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the train and was last seen exiting the 225th Street subway station. At that point, his whereabouts were unknown.
Investigation and Arrest
In the hours after the attack, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) released surveillance footage and photos of the suspect in an effort to gather information from the public. Described as a male with a medium complexion, the suspect was last seen wearing a black vest, a blue sweatshirt, gray pants, and multicolored sneakers.
The NYPD’s efforts paid off when, later in the evening on the same day, officers from the 49th Precinct arrested Lateef Green, a 50-year-old man from Wakefield, Bronx. Green was taken into custody around 6:50 p.m. within the precinct’s jurisdiction.
Charges and Legal Process
Green has been charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree assault. He remains in custody, and authorities have emphasized that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The arrest has provided some relief to the Olinville community, but concerns about subway safety continue to grow. The subway system has been a source of anxiety for many commuters who have expressed frustration over random acts of violence.
Jasmine Herrera, a regular subway rider in the Bronx, voiced her concerns: “I’m glad they caught the guy, but this kind of thing makes people nervous, especially when it happens out of nowhere.”
Local leaders have reiterated calls for enhanced security measures, including the presence of more uniformed officers and the use of surveillance technology in key transit areas to prevent further violence.
Call for Public Assistance
While the suspect is in custody, the NYPD continues to encourage anyone with information related to the incident or the suspect to come forward. Tips can be submitted confidentially to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS or visiting their website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to understand the full circumstances surrounding the attack. The NYPD will continue to monitor developments and provide updates to the public.
A Community in Shock
This unprovoked attack has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly as it highlights ongoing concerns about safety in New York City’s subway system. Authorities are committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable, but they also acknowledge the broader challenges of ensuring safe transit for all New Yorkers.
As this investigation unfolds, officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially as the city’s transit system remains a central part of daily life for millions of residents.