Woman Pushed Onto Subway Tracks, Another Assaulted in Brooklyn

A 25-year-old man was arrested Saturday after allegedly pushing a woman onto the subway tracks and punching another woman in the face at the 36th Street station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The suspect, Curtis Signal, faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and harassment, according to police.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. On the R subway line at 36th Street and Fourth Avenue. A 51-year-old woman was shoved onto the tracks, suffering three broken ribs. A 43-year-old woman was punched in the face, sustaining a busted lip. Both women were transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

Witness Account

Al Rivera, a Vietnam veteran, witnessed the attack. He told the Novel York Post, “The guy was sitting on the platform and they were standing. All of a sudden he pushed her on the tracks and then he turned around and pounced on the other lady. He was hitting her, punching her in the face.” Rivera added that bystanders helped pull the woman off the tracks.

Repeat Offender

Police sources indicate that Curtis Signal is a repeat offender with a history of assaults. He is currently on probation until June 2027. Prior incidents include allegedly punching a 67-year-old woman at a Queens subway station in September 2023, assaulting a police officer in the Bronx in September 2023, and multiple other assaults dating back to 2022, including one involving his 13-year-old sister.

Rising Subway Crime

The assaults come amid a reported increase in crime within the New York City subway system. According to NYPD data, major crime in the transit system has increased 17% so far in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Assaults have risen 9%, and robberies have soared 58%.

Public Reaction

Residents expressed fear and frustration over the incident. Yolene Martinez, a daily subway commuter, stated, “Every time I hear something like this, I get more fearful… It’s happening too often.” Another resident, Ismail Cruz, called for stricter penalties for offenders, saying, “He can’t be on the street. Lock him up!”

Station Information

The 36th Street station is served by the D, N, and R trains at all times, with limited W train service during rush hours. See the R train map here.