Police say a pair of attackers pushed a 43-year-old man who was trying to refill his MetroCard toward the stairs at the Flushing/Main Street subway station, leaving him unconscious.
The 43-year-old victim was standing in line at the subway station attendant booth to add money to his MetroCard just before 2 p.m. on Jan. 22., authories said. He then stepped off the line to check the balance using a self-service swipe device mounted outside the booth.
Shortly after, a dispute began between the victim and the suspects as he tried to get back in line. Authorities said the suspects shoved him toward the station stairs, leaving him unconcious before they fled the scene. The suspects are believed to be in their 20s and 40s.
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Paramedics rushed the man to New York Presbytarian Queens Hospital, where he was treated for cuts to his face, police said.
Commuters who use the subway station daily told News 4 they're sickened to hear of such a brutal attack.
"It's different now than it used to be years ago," said Flushing resident Beth Ortiz. "Not safe. Flushing is different."
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"When you see something, say something," said resident Michael Idowau. "When I see something that feels like it's dangerous, I have to alert the police or some secutiry around."
Today, police officers had a table set up for bag checks and security screening, but commuters say officers are not always here. One woman told News 4 she wants the MTA to have more security at this particular station.
"They need to have people out here," said Corona resident Jeanine Robinson. "It's a busy station. I don't feel like they're doing their job."
Anyone with information regarding the attack is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit their tips online by logging on to the Crime Stoppers website.
