Police investigate 2 separate subway slashings at Downtown Brooklyn stations
Two people were slashed just 20 minutes apart from one another at separate subway stations in Downtown Brooklyn.
Officials say the first attack happened at the Atlantic Avenue – Barclays Center Station at 11:50 p.m. Tuesday.
A 38-year-old woman was slashed in the shin, leaving a trail of blood for other commuters to step over. The slashing happened in the mezzanine of the station after a dispute with the suspect.
Authorities say the second slashing happened just 20 minutes later and about three miles away.
This attack happened at around 12:10 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Fulton Street Station.
A 67-year-old man was on the staircase inside the station when he was approached from behind and slashed in the right leg, left wrist, and left knee, police said.
Both victims were taken to New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in stable condition.
Police say that they are searching for the suspect in both attacks and are working to determine if these slashings are connected. Officials did receive similar descriptions of the suspect in both attacks.
Overall transit crime is down 2.5% so far this year, but there were 21 more incidents this November compared to last November.
Police say subway crime rose 10% because of felony assaults on officers and grand larceny.
Some riders said they would like to see more police patrolling platforms during off-hours, but others said the city needs to continue to double down on its efforts to address mental health in the transit system.
An investigation into both slashings is ongoing.