Police said that a passenger in the New York City Subway died after being choked by another rider, who claimed the man was harassing other people.
The incident occurred on the Broadway-Lafayette Street train station around 2:30 pm on Monday.
A man in his 30s was harassing and acting in an erratic manner on the F train. When a 24-year-old stepped in, she put him in a chokehold.
The 30-year-old man never regained his consciousness despite all the efforts made by EMS at the Broadway-Lafayette Street/Bleecker Street Station.
The altercation was not armed, and the police confirmed that other subway passengers corroborated that man’s claim that the 30-year-old was harassing them.
A witness told The New York Post the man was yelling in a threatening way.
Juan Alberto Vazquez, a freelance journalist, said: “He said that he didn’t have food or drink. He said he was tired and doesn’t care if it goes to prison.” “He started screaming these things and took off his black jacket he owned, and threw that on the ground.”
The NYPD questioned the 24-year-old and released him without any charges. He was also an enlisted Marine.
The New York Post obtained video of the altercation.
Robert Boyce, former NYPD chief of detectives, told WABC-TV the young man might have been trying to prevent imminent harm. However, other factors could be taken into consideration.
How long did you hold him, and how hard was he holding his neck? Was he yelling let me go or Let me go? Boyce said that all these factors will be taken into consideration when determining the outcome.
The police said that they are waiting for the autopsy results of the 30-year-old.
Sources in law enforcement said the 30-year-old man was previously arrested for assault, disorderly behavior, and fair teasing.
Boyce added, “The best thing to do would be to call 911 or to find an officer near you if possible.” “However, except in those two cases, if you feel the need to assist someone immediately, then do so. It’s as simple as that. “So, he’ll have to explain his immediate need.”
Here is a local report on the incident.
