New York, NY — A man was taken into custody on Saturday after a disturbing incident on a subway platform left two women injured. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Curtis Signal, allegedly initiated the violence by pushing a woman onto the subway tracks and then assaulting another on the platform.
The confrontation occurred around 8:45 a.m. on the R subway line at 53rd Street and Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. Eyewitnesses reported that the first victim, a 51-year-old woman, was shoved onto the tracks unexpectedly, resulting in three broken ribs. Following this shocking act, Signal reportedly turned his attention to a second victim, a 43-year-old woman, whom he repeatedly struck in the face.
Bystander Al Rivera described the scene, noting how Signal had been sitting on the platform prior to the assault. “All of a sudden he pushed her on the tracks and then he turned around and pounced on the other lady,” Rivera said. Quick-thinking bystanders rushed to assist the woman who fell onto the tracks, pulling her back to safety as she cried out in fear.
Police apprehended Signal at a nearby men’s shelter shortly after the brutal acts. He now faces multiple charges, including reckless endangerment and assault. Authorities confirmed Signal is a repeat offender, currently under probation until June 2027, and that this incident adds to a history of previous assaults linked to him.
In September 2023, he was accused of attacking a 67-year-old woman while awaiting another train in Queens. During that assailment, he allegedly fled and was only later identified when arrested for fare evasion. Just days after that incident, Signal was involved in an altercation with a police officer that resulted in a broken nose for the officer.
In May 2022, Signal was also charged with assault against a family member, after he allegedly struck his 13-year-old sister, causing her injuries.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the earlier incidents will influence the treatment of Signal in this latest case but expressed concern over his pattern of violence. The New York Police Department is currently investigating the situation further to provide additional context and security for commuters.