By Rich Bockmann
Police Tuesday released surveillance images of one of two teens who allegedly stabbed three others on a Jamaica subway platform a day earlier..
Around 3:30 Monday afternoon, a fight broke out on the J train platform at the Parsons-Archer subway station between two groups of teenagers, police said. While it was not clear who initiated the altercation, the three victims were taken to Jamaica Hospital with stab wounds and the two suspects took off on foot, according to the NYPD.
One of the images put out by the police was of a male described as Hispanic.
The station was shut down for about half an hour, with E train service returning around 4 p.m. and service on the J line suspended until 8:30 p.m. Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees were advising passengers to ride an E train one stop to the Sutphin Boulevard station and transfer to the J, but warned there would be delays. At first it was believed the fight may have involved an iPhone, but police later dismissed that rumor.
Maria Lopez was on her way home to Brooklyn from Jamaica’s Workforce1 Center and said it was “crazy” to think anyone would attack another person for a phone.
“I can’t believe it. Someone was stabbed for an iPhone? That’s very bad,” she said.
“I’m scared when I see young people around,” the 54-year-old added. “You never know who’s going to be the crazy person who will put you on the tracks.”
The downtown Jamaica subway station bustles, especially during rush hour and as students from nearby York College head home.
Student Kelvin Mata, 18, said he had never heard of anyone being attacked for a cellphone, but said he was still cautious on the subway nonetheless, wary about taking out his electronic devices.
His friend, Travis Dorville, said he did not think twice about it.
“But now that you mention that happened … ,” he said, putting away his white iPhone.
Rocking a set of the coveted Beats by Dre headphones — which can cost upward of $400 — Jamaal Reed said he absolutely kept an eye out while riding the subway.
“You don’t stand too close to the doors because people will just snatch and run,” he said. “You keep the volume down and just be aware.”
In September, a Woodhaven woman was arrested for allegedly pulling out a knife and slashing two passengers as they rode the escalator up from the J train platform.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
