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New York City is modifying its plan to have NYPD officers patrol the subways solo after an officer was attacked on Day 1 of the initiative.
Mayor Eric Adams vouched for the plan of having single officer patrols, noting that he conducted solo patrols during his days in uniform with the NYPD. The city believes that spreading cops out throughout the transit system will help discourage crime, particularly in the beleaguered subways.
The revised subway patrol plan will continue the solo patrol concept at certain stations, but officers will stay within each other's sight at all times in case they need assistance.
"This will increase visibility of police officers looking out for the riding public while at the same time looking out for each other," the NYPD said in a statement.
A transit officer performing a solo patrol at the Pennsylvania Avenue station in Brooklyn around 7 p.m. Tuesday was attacked by a 24-year-old man after instructing the man to put out a lit cigarette he was smoking.
The man reportedly threw himself down the subway's platform staircase after being approached by the officer. When the officer went to assist him, the suspect grabbed the officer and began dragging him the rest of the way down the stairs.
A struggle ensued and the suspect, a homeless man, allegedly tried to grab the officer's gun. He was apprehended and later taken to the hospital for an evaluation. Officials say the suspect has a history of attacking cops, though they did not provide details on previous cases.
He is being charged with assault on a police officer, attempting robbery, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.
The officer involved did not suffer serious injuries.