Subway Slash Victim Calls Attacker a ‘Coward' for Using Blade Instead of His Fists

The man slashed across his face and body with a box cutter after an argument on a midtown subway train told NBC 4 New York Sunday that his attacker is a “coward” who should have used his fists rather than pull a blade during their fight.

The 38-year-old victim spoke to NBC 4 New York, but did not want his face to be shown or his named to be used.

He did, however, make clear that he wants his attacker to be put in jail for slashing him with the box cutter.

“There is no need for the knife,” the victim told NBC 4 New York. “A man doesn’t need a knife.”

“He could’ve punched me so easily and knocked me down probably,” the victim said. “But he didn’t. He’s a coward and he deserves to be in jail.”

The two men got into an argument at about 10:15 a.m. Thursday aboard a northbound D train as it approached the Bryant Park station.

The alleged attacker, 44-year-old Michael McKenzie of the Bronx, then allegedly pulled the box cutter and slashed the victim in his face, stomach and arms.

Horrified straphangers looked on as his attacker cut him, the victim said.

“When the fight was happening and the blood started spilling, I heard screams," he said. I heard people saying, ‘Stop! Stop! You’re killing him!’” 

McKenzie allegedly raced out of the station after the attack, police said. The victim, bleeding from his wounds, gave chase until he was stopped by police and taken to Bellevue Hospital.

McKenzie allegedly escaped through Bryant Park, but was arrested Friday and charged with assault.

The victim, whose wounds on his arms and face are still held together by stitches, said he regrets the fight.

"The whole thing was stupid and uncalled for," he said. "The whole fight was childish."