Man shoves elderly man onto subway tracks in shocking attack

On December 1st, 2024, an unprovoked attack occurred at the 149th Street–Grand Concourse station in the Bronx, New York City, where a 74-year-old man was violently pushed onto the southbound Nos. 2 and 5 train tracks. The elderly victim was with his wife at the time of the incident, and authorities reported that the assailant, identified as Deviante Collins, 28, from Brooklyn, did not engage the victim in conversation before the attack. Witnesses described the scene as shocking, with Collins demonstrating unusual behavior immediately following the shove by raising his hands and exclaiming, 'I didn’t do it.' Fortunately, Good Samaritans on the platform quickly intervened, helping the man back up to safety before a train could strike him. He sustained minor leg injuries and was transported to Lincoln Medical Center for treatment. Deviante Collins had no prior arrests in the city, which adds complexity to his actions during the incident. After the police arrived and assessed the situation, he was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and first-degree harassment. The attack came on the heels of another frightening incident that occurred just days earlier when a woman shoved a man onto the J train platform in Bedford-Stuyvesant. In that case, the assailant escaped and remains unidentified, raising concerns about public safety in the transit system. As the holidays approach, such incidents prompt critical discussions about safety in urban areas, particularly in public transportation systems often crowded with commuters and tourists. The quick response from bystanders in this case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the willingness to assist others in dangerous situations. Local authorities and transit agencies may need to consider additional safety measures to prevent further attacks and to enhance the security of vulnerable passengers in transit hubs. Investigations continue as authorities evaluate the underlying motivations behind such violent behavior and seek to ensure the safety of all travelers in the subway system. Community leaders and advocates are calling for conversations around mental health resources and awareness to address the root causes of these unprovoked attacks. Improved surveillance and security protocols in train stations could also be one potential solution to deter future incidents.