Another woman arrested in connection with the assault on a female MTA employee in Brooklyn.

Authorities apprehended the second suspect involved in the assault of a female Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employee at a Brooklyn subway station earlier this month. Leschea Aldridge, 25, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including attempted assault, assault, theft of services, endangering the welfare of a child, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon. The incident occurred on July 1, when Aldridge and her accomplice, 24-year-old Ayizhae Thomas, allegedly attacked Marshalee Reid, a 51-year-old MTA worker, at the New Lots No. 3 train subway station in East New York.

The attack took place around 1:15 p.m. while Reid was assisting an elderly man who was experiencing difficulties with a MetroCard vending machine. As Reid opened an emergency exit door to allow the man to pass, she observed Thomas jumping the turnstile. Reid instructed Thomas to return through the open door and pay her fare. In an escalation of the situation, Aldridge reportedly inquired if she could also enter without paying, to which Reid reiterated the need for fare payment.

According to law enforcement reports, the confrontation quickly became violent. One of the suspects pushed Reid to the ground, where she was subjected to a barrage of kicks and punches. Notably, Thomas allegedly struck Reid with a closed fist while holding keys, inflicting significant injury. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Thomas’s 2-year-old son was present during the altercation, raising further concerns about the welfare of the child amidst the chaos.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported Reid to Brookdale Hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition. She sustained minor cuts and a swollen hand that required further X-rays for evaluation. Following the assault, both suspects fled the scene on foot.

Thomas was previously arrested on July 15 and has been charged with assault, acting in a manner injurious to a child, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. Prosecutors sought bail for Thomas during her arraignment, but she was granted supervised release instead.

In response to the violent incident, NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow denounced the assault as a “senseless attack” and called for thorough judicial action against those responsible. He emphasized the importance of ensuring maximum justice as the case continues to unfold. Aldridge’s arraignment is scheduled for later this week, with authorities closely monitoring the legal proceedings.

The troubling nature of this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety for public transit employees and the need for protective measures in the face of violence. The Transport Workers Union has echoed calls for increased protection for frontline workers, underscoring the unacceptable nature of such assaults in public spaces.