New York City, NY – A 35-year-old man is facing charges of attempted murder and felony assault after allegedly pushing his girlfriend onto subway tracks in lower Manhattan, resulting in both her feet being severed by an incoming train. Authorities revealed that the suspect, Christian Valdez, had a history of violent behavior, including a previous incident in 2017 where he broke into an apartment, stabbed a woman, and threatened to harm her child.
Valdez, whose address was listed as a women’s homeless shelter in Brooklyn, was captured about 11 hours after the subway station attack at the Fulton Street station. The victim, a 29-year-old woman whose identity has not been disclosed, was engaged in a heated argument with Valdez when she was pushed onto the tracks. The southbound train struck her, leading to the amputation of both her feet. She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Police officers responding to the scene found the victim conscious but with severe leg injuries after being hit by the train. Valdez is now awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, although information about his legal representation was not immediately available. This incident comes after Valdez was released from prison in early 2023, where he had served time for a previous violent assault.
In the 2017 attack, witnesses reported that Valdez had entered an apartment in the Bronx, stabbed a woman, and threatened to harm her 3-year-old daughter. The mother tried to escape with her child onto a fire escape, but Valdez pursued her, wielding a glass bottle and making threats. A brave neighbor intervened, preventing harm to the child and assisting in bringing the situation under control.
Valdez’s criminal history reveals a pattern of violent behavior, highlighting the need for effective intervention and prevention strategies to address domestic violence and protect potential victims. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in ensuring justice for the victim and holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions.