Suspect Indicted for Stabbing Incident in East Village Subway Station
Arrest Made After Short Chase
Officers spotted 27-year-old Raymond Kwok inside the Union Square subway station on September 23, just a few days after the incident. They recognized him as the stabbing suspect in images that the NYPD released last month.
Incident Details
A suspect who allegedly stabbed a straphanger following a heated argument in an East Village subway station last month was indicted in state Supreme Court, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced on Wednesday.
Raymond Kwok, 27, of Avenue C in the East Village, faces assault and weapons charges for the incident that occurred at about 8:43 p.m. on September 20 at the First Avenue L train station.
What Happened
According to court documents, Kwok and the victim, a 29-year-old man, bumped into each other on the station staircase near East 14th Street. The pair exchanged words, but as the man continued walking, Kwok allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the commuter in the back. The victim sustained a laceration, bleeding and pain as a result of the attack.
Police Chase and Arrest
As EMS brought the man to Bellevue Hospital, where he received stitches for the brutal injury, Kwok was able to flee the scene before police arrived. However, he did not stay free for long. Just a few days later, on September 23, NYPD officers spotted Kwok inside a Union Square subway station, recognizing him from photos that the department released following the crime. As cops slapped the cuffs on Kwok, they found a switchblade in his right pants pocket, though it is not clear if it was the same weapon used in the September 20 stabbing.
Statement from the District Attorney
"Raymond Kwok allegedly stabbed a subway rider in a brutal attack," Bragg said. "New Yorkers relying on public transportation deserve to be safe, and violence in our transit system, especially with dangerous weapons, will not be tolerated. I wish the victim a full and speedy recovery."
Case Update
A judge let Kwok go on supervised release a day after his arrest, even though the charges he faced were bail-eligible. Prosecutors had requested $25,000 cash bail.
Kwok faces charges of one count of second-degree assault and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: The alleged attacker, Raymond Kwok, bumped into the victim on the station staircase, exchanged words, and then stabbed the victim in the back with a knife.
Q: How did the police catch the suspect?
A: The NYPD spotted Kwok inside the Union Square subway station on September 23, recognizing him from photos released after the crime.
Q: What charges is the suspect facing?
A: Kwok faces one count of second-degree assault and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Q: What is the current status of the suspect?
A: Kwok is currently on supervised release after being arrested on September 23.
