On a Sunday afternoon in September, three unsuspecting New Yorkers on the subway became victims of police gunfire aimed at suspect Derell Mickles, who wielded a knife. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of subway commutes in New York City, where transit safety remains a pressing concern. Despite an overall decrease in subway crime, felony assaults have surged by 55% since 2019. In response to rising violence, officials have deployed thousands of law enforcement agents to enhance safety in the transit system, addressing a spike in alarming incidents amid routine travel.
A man coming home from an overseas trip. Another on his way to work. A woman off to a celebratory dinner.
Mr. Mickles, 38, had slipped into the Sutter Avenue L station in Brooklyn without paying. Two police officers had followed him to the elevated platform, catching a glimpse of a knife in his hand.
Subway crime dipped overall last year, but felony assaults were up 55 percent since 2019.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have responded by flooding stations with law enforcement: 3,250 police officers; 1,250 National Guard soldiers and state troopers.
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