NEW YORK, NY – A 36-year-old man was assaulted and robbed after a dispute over vaping on a southbound R train, according to New York City Police Department officials.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 5, at around 4:03 p.m. The victim was sitting on the train as it approached the 36 Street station when he asked a man sitting next to him to stop using a vape. The man responded by punching the victim in the face. Both men exited the train at the 36 Street station, where the physical altercation escalated. The suspect proceeded to assault the victim, hitting him multiple times in the head before forcibly taking $200 from his pocket and fleeing.
The victim suffered a head laceration requiring stitches and was taken to NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst in stable condition.
The suspect is described as a 25-year-old male, 6’0″ tall, weighing 160 pounds, with a dark complexion, brown eyes, and black hair and facial hair. He was last seen wearing a red du-rag, a black tank top, pink shorts, and blue & white sneakers.
The NYPD has released media depicting the suspect, captured by a witness at the scene.