New York City

MTA Conductor Stabbed in Broad Daylight; Suspect in Custody, Police Say

What to Know

  • A 33-year-old MTA conductor was stabbed following a dispute Sunday morning in the Bronx, police say
  • The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. at Grand Concourse and E. 138th Street station, according to the NYPD
  • The conductor is expected to survive, police say; The suspect was arrested and charges are pending

A 33-year-old MTA conductor was stabbed following a dispute Sunday morning in the Bronx, police say.

The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. at Grand Concourse and E. 138th Street station, according to the NYPD.

The conductor was transported to Lincoln Hospital and is in serious but stable condition after the suspect stabbed him with a switchblade, police say. He is expected to survive.

The suspect, identified by police as Walter Rivera, was arrested and charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police say. He was taken to a hospital for psychological evaluation.

Attorney information for Rivera was not immediately known.

In a statement, Local 100 Transport Workers Union President Tony Utano demanded "the full weight of the law now come down on" the suspect arrested.

"We also demand that the city step up and make the subway safer for both workers and riders. We want to go to work and return to our families safe and sound," Utano's statement said.

Citing reports that the alleged attacker was an emotionally disturbed person,  Utano's statement goes on to demand the city address social issues, including moving emotionally disturbed people who allegedly use the subway system as a refuge to shelters "where they can receive the care and treatment they need."

NYC Transit President Andy Byford shared similar sentiments in a statement.

“I am appalled and outraged by this attack on our conductor, a dedicated Transit employee who was just doing his job, trying to help keep NYC moving," Byford said. "We are very grateful to the NYPD that they caught the assailant; he should now feel the full force of justice for this cowardly act.”

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