Good Samaritans rescue woman from subway attacker
- A woman was assaulted by a male suspect, Fredrick Marshall, at a subway platform in Brooklyn.
- Bystanders intervened, subduing the suspect and allowing the woman to escape.
- The incident prompted widespread praise for the Good Samaritans and raised concerns about public safety in the subway.
In late 2024, a serious incident occurred at the Norwood Avenue subway station in Brooklyn, New York, involving a 20-year-old woman. Fredrick Marshall, a 42-year-old man, approached her and began arguing before physically restraining her in a bear hug. As the woman screamed for help, bystanders witnessed the escalating situation and intervened. Witness Rondel Whitfield, who was on his way to church, rushed to help and encouraged others to join him in stopping the assault. The group managed to subdue Marshall, holding him down until police arrived, and the woman escaped with minor injuries. She expressed immense gratitude for the quick response of the brave individuals who came to her aid. Medical personnel treated her at the scene for shoulder pain and other minor injuries, while Fredrick Marshall was arrested and discovered to be carrying a knife and a blackjack, a type of concealed weapon. The authorities later charged him with third-degree assault, second-degree harassment, and gun-related offenses. Notably, the charges did not qualify for bail, and he was granted supervised release during the subsequent arraignment. The incident sparked significant attention and discussion on social media, with many praising the bystanders for their actions. The woman’s mother expressed profound relief and gratitude that her daughter was safe. Many also reflected on the bravery exhibited in such dangerous situations, noting that not everyone would be willing to intervene like the witnesses who did so in this case, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding safety in public transit spaces in New York City.