MTA Employees Attacked by Unruly Individuals in Queens and Brooklyn
Over the weekend, two MTA employees were assaulted by aggressive individuals in separate incidents in Queens and Brooklyn, officials reported on Monday.
The first incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Sunday at the Jamaica-179th Street subway station. A train cleaner was attacked by a subway rider, Luis Mizhquiri, 38, who became enraged after being woken up by the worker. Mizhquiri punched the 52-year-old employee, causing him substantial pain in his face and ear. Despite the injuries, the worker declined medical attention at the scene.
Mizhquiri was apprehended by responding police officers and charged with second-degree assault and harassment. During his arraignment, Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar set his bail at $7,500 cash or $22,000 bond. Additionally, Mizhquiri was also held for failing to pay a fine related to a previous driving while intoxicated arrest.
Just over an hour later, another incident occurred in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A 32-year-old woman, Selene Cruz, attacked an MTA attendant after missing a shuttle bus. Cruz threw an unknown liquid at the bus driver and punched him in the mouth after he proceeded to leave the stop without letting her on board. The victim, a 49-year-old MTA employee, also declined medical attention at the scene.
Police officers located and arrested Cruz in the area. She was charged with assault, attempted assault, and harassment in the third degree. Despite having no prior arrests, Cruz was released on her own recognizance during her arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court, although prosecutors had recommended supervised release.
These incidents highlight the risks faced by MTA employees while on duty and the importance of ensuring their safety and security in the workplace.
