Man indicted for attacking subway rider who wouldn't help him dodge fare; victim required 20 stitches

Peter Perna, 29, is facing several assault charges.
Peter Perna, 29, is facing several assault charges. Photo credit NYPD

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Officials indicted a man for pushing a subway rider into a turnstile at a Chelsea subway station last month for not swiping him in, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Wednesday.

Peter Perna, 29, is facing several assault charges.

According to court documents, just after 11 p.m. on March 17, the victim was heading home from work and entered the West 23rd Street subway station at Eighth Avenue.

Perna entered the station shortly behind the victim and asked him if he could open the emergency gate to get him into the subway after the victim swiped through.

The victim declined to help Perna and walked towards the turnstile. Perna then ran towards the victim, slammed his body into the victim’s, pushing the victim into a full height revolving door turnstile, prosecutors said.

One of the metal bars of the turnstile hit and pierced the victim’s head, causing a cut that required approximately 20 stitches, officers said.

Perna fled the scene and was arrested on March 27.

"Our transit system is the heart of our city, and safety underground is paramount. While transit crime continues to trend downward in Manhattan, there is still more work to be done. We will utilize all the tools at our disposal to keep straphangers and transit workers safe, and I wish the victim a speedy recovery," D.A. Bragg said.

Featured Image Photo Credit: NYPD