A man accused of a shocking subway attack in Queens, which left a straphanger with critical injuries, stated in court that he has no recollection of committing the crime, according to prosecutors.
Luis Pallchisaca, 21, reportedly confessed to law enforcement that he recognized himself in the surveillance images from the violent incident that occurred on Sunday night. However, he claimed uncertainty regarding whether he had actually stabbed the victim, Robert Gaspar, a 25-year-old restaurant employee.
During his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, Pallchisaca told authorities, “Yes, that’s me [in] the picture,” Assistant District Attorney Samuel Pellegrino reported.
Pallchisaca allegedly stated, “I was wearing that shirt yesterday or the day before. I remember but I don’t think I stabbed him. I just scared him and left. I scared someone near me.”
“I’m not certain if I actually stabbed him,” he added. “I mentioned I scared him with a knife, but I’m not sure about stabbing.”
However, evidence from surveillance footage shows Pallchisaca calmly approached Gaspar on the 7 train, slashing his throat before stabbing him in the back multiple times without uttering a word.
The attack occurred shortly after Gaspar boarded the train at the Mets-Willets Point station around 11:30 p.m. while returning home from work.
The victim has since been hospitalized in critical condition and is currently dependent on a breathing tube, as reported by a friend to The Post.
According to prosecutors, Pallchisaca fled the scene following the assault.
Authorities later apprehended Pallchisaca at his residence after an observant NYPD officer recognized him as the suspect in a prior case.
“In the past 30-some days, the defendant has been arrested three times for various offenses, including false impersonation and attempted second-degree assault, in addition to this current charge,” Pellegrino informed Judge Lana Schlessinger in the courtroom.
The prosecutor highlighted that Gaspar currently “is unable to speak” due to his injuries.
<p“After surgery, he can only communicate via writing or nodding at this time,” Pellegrino noted.
The prosecution requested that Pallchisaca be held without bail, while the defense attorney petitioned for bail set at $100,000.
Judge Schlessinger ultimately determined the bail amount to be $500,000 in cash, encompassing charges of attempted murder, assault, and possession of a weapon.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “As alleged, the defendant viciously stabbed the victim in an unprovoked attack, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Our subway system should not turn into a battleground; it serves as a vital resource for many. My office will leverage every tool available to address those who threaten the safety of the city’s subway riders.”
