BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A Bronx man has been arraigned on charges of attempted murder, assault, and other related offenses following the stabbing of an MTA subway operator in a Brooklyn subway station last month. The victim, who was stabbed 11 times, was hospitalized in serious condition but is expected to recover.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the arraignment of Jonathan Davalos, 27, before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar. Davalos is facing a 13-count indictment that includes charges of second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, and other related counts. He is being held without bail and is due back in court on January 10, 2025.
“This defendant is accused of viciously attacking and seriously injuring a hardworking train conductor who was simply doing his job,” said District Attorney Gonzalez. “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, on October 8, 2024, at approximately 10:40 a.m., the 59-year-old subway operator was attempting to clear passengers from a number 4 train at its final stop, the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station in Brooklyn. The operator reportedly asked Davalos to exit the subway car, but he allegedly refused, leading to a verbal confrontation. Davalos then allegedly pulled a knife from his jacket and lunged at the operator.
The victim attempted to flee down the platform, but Davalos allegedly chased him. After the victim tripped and fell, Davalos reportedly straddled him and proceeded to stab him multiple times. A witness alerted police officers stationed nearby, who responded quickly, drawing their weapons and ordering Davalos to stop. The defendant then stood up, dropped the knife, and was taken into custody.
The victim was rushed to Kings County Hospital with 11 stab wounds and was listed in serious condition. The attack has reignited concerns over safety on the city’s transit system, particularly for transit workers who face escalating risks on the job.
