NYC subway conductor Jean Joseph was the victim of a brutal attack while on duty last week. As he leaned out the train window to ensure all passengers were safely aboard, a deranged stranger punched him in the face, causing serious injuries including broken teeth. The incident occurred on the W train at the Ditmars Boulevard Station in Astoria, leaving Joseph traumatized and unable to return to work.
The assailant, who appeared agitated and was wearing a white undershirt, mumbled about Joseph closing the doors before launching the unprovoked attack. Joseph, a 33-year-old Haitian immigrant and soon-to-be father, believes the man was upset about missing the train. The conductor’s fiancée expressed fear and concern for his safety, recalling a previous incident where a conductor was slashed in the neck while performing a similar task.
Following the assault, Joseph was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital for treatment of a cut lip and two cracked teeth. He expressed uncertainty about when he would be able to resume his duties, as the incident has left him fearful of sticking his head out the window as part of standard safety procedures. Despite police efforts, the attacker remains at large, adding to the anxiety and stress experienced by Joseph and his loved ones.
The assault on MTA employees, including subway conductors, has been a growing concern in recent years. Statistics show a rise in assaults on transit workers, with 11 incidents reported so far this year. While major transit crimes, including murder, have decreased, assaults on MTA employees have remained a persistent issue. The data underscores the dangers faced by those who work in the city’s subway system, highlighting the need for increased security measures and support for frontline workers like Jean Joseph.
