A subway operator clearing passengers from a Number 4 train at Brooklyn’s Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station was brutally attacked last month, stabbed 11 times after a rider allegedly refused to leave and chased him down the platform. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office announced that the suspect has been arraigned on attempted murder, assault, and related charges.
District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the arraignment of Jonathan Davalos, 27, of The Bronx, on attempted murder, assault, and other charges in connection with the Oct. 8 stabbing of an MTA subway operator at the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station.
Davalos, who allegedly attacked the worker after refusing to exit the train, faces a 13-count indictment and is being held without bail.
“This defendant is accused of viciously attacking and seriously injuring a hardworking train conductor who was simply doing his job,” Gonzalez said. “We will aggressively pursue full accountability for this violent assault. Keeping straphangers and transit workers safe is essential to the functioning of our city and a top priority for my office. We remain committed to ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our subways face the full consequences of their actions.”
According to the investigation, the incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. when the subway operator, a 59-year-old man, was clearing passengers from a number 4 train at its last stop. After Davalos allegedly refused to leave the train, a verbal confrontation ensued. Prosecutors say Davalos then pulled a knife from his jacket and lunged at the operator, who ran down the platform in an attempt to escape.
Witnesses reported that the operator tripped and fell, at which point Davalos allegedly straddled him and stabbed him 11 times. Bystanders alerted nearby police officers, who quickly intervened. The officers reportedly drew their weapons, prompting Davalos to surrender and drop the knife.
The operator was taken to Kings County Hospital in serious condition but is expected to recover.
Davalos was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar and is due back in court on Jan. 10, 2025.
