Suspect hunted after boxcutter attack inside manhattan subway station

Suspect Hunted After Boxcutter Attack Inside Manhattan Subway Station

May 17, 2026

NEW YORK, NY — A late-night argument inside a Manhattan subway station turned violent early Friday when a man allegedly pulled a boxcutter and slashed another rider in the neck before fleeing into Midtown, according to the NYPD.

The attack happened around 12:50 a.m. Friday at the 49 Street subway station in Midtown Manhattan. NYPD Crimestoppers said a 35-year-old man became involved in a verbal dispute with an unidentified individual inside the station when the suspect suddenly displayed a boxcutter and cut the victim in the neck.

The suspect then exited the station and ran off on foot in an unknown direction, police said.

Midtown Subway Attack Sparks Search for Suspect

The NYPD has not released details about what led to the confrontation or the condition of the victim following the attack. Investigators also have not publicly identified the suspect.

Crime Stoppers officials circulated details of the assault Saturday as detectives continued searching for the individual involved.

The 49 Street station, located along Seventh Avenue in the heart of Midtown, serves thousands of commuters and tourists daily and sits near major entertainment venues and hotels in Times Square.

The violent encounter adds to ongoing concerns about safety in New York City’s subway system, particularly during overnight hours when stations are less crowded.

NYPD Requests Public Assistance

The NYPD is asking anyone who may have witnessed the attack or recognizes the suspect to come forward.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline,” the department said in a public bulletin shared on social media.


Key Points

• A 35-year-old man suffered a neck slash during a dispute at the 49 Street subway station
• NYPD said the attacker used a boxcutter before fleeing on foot
• The assault happened around 12:50 a.m. Friday in Midtown Manhattan


Investigators have not announced any arrests as of Sunday morning. Police also have not said whether surveillance footage captured the suspect inside or outside the station.

The incident occurred inside one of Manhattan’s busiest transit corridors, an area that remains active well past midnight because of nearby theaters, restaurants, and nightlife destinations. Transit-related assaults involving sharp objects remain a major focus for NYPD transit officers and city officials monitoring subway crime trends.

Anyone with information regarding the assault is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can use 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or by messaging @NYPDTips on X.

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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