NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A man was indicted on attempted murder and assault charges for allegedly shoving a 45-year-old man in front of an oncoming train in a Chelsea subway station on New Year’s Eve, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced.
Kamel Hawkins, 23, is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and second-degree assault in the Dec. 31 attack, prosecutors said.
According to court documents and statements, a 45-year-old man was waiting for the 1 train on the downtown platform in the 18th Street subway station at about 1:30 p.m. on the day of the incident.
Minutes later, as the train was approaching the station, prosecutors said Hawkins walked toward the victim and shoved him onto the tracks unprovoked.
In surveillance footage obtained by ABC7, the assailant—allegedly Hawkins—is seen jumping the subway turnstile, walking aside for a moment before returning to the victim, who was on his phone, and shoving him forcefully onto the tracks.
The man suffered multiple broke ribs, a fractured skull and a ruptured spleen, prosecutors said. He was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.
“As alleged, Kamel Hawkins shoved a stranger onto the tracks of an oncoming train in a brutal and unprovoked act of violence committed in our transit system on New Year’s Eve, a widely celebrated holiday in Manhattan and around the world,” Bragg said. “Thankfully the victim, who sustained significant injuries, survived this horrifying attack and I wish him a swift recovery.”
Hawkins, of Brooklyn, fled the scene but was taken into custody later the same day at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle subway station. He was allegedly seen wearing the same clothing from the incident, including a black ski mask, hooded sweatshirt and jacket.
“Every day, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of New Yorkers utilizing our transit system,” Bragg said.