Second woman apprehended in connection with assault on female MTA worker in Brooklyn.

Law enforcement officials have apprehended the second of two suspects involved in the assault on a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employee at a Brooklyn subway station earlier this month, according to recent reports from police and the Transport Workers Union.

The suspect, Leschea Aldridge, 25, faces multiple charges including attempted assault, assault, theft of services, endangering the welfare of a child, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon stemming from the incident that occurred on July 1. Aldridge and her alleged accomplice, Ayizhae Thomas, 24, reportedly attacked the MTA worker, Marshalee Reid, 51, at approximately 1:15 p.m. at the New Lots No. 3 train subway station located in East New York.

Thomas was already in police custody following her arrest on July 15, where she was charged with assault, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. During her arraignment in Brooklyn criminal court, Thomas was granted supervised release, despite prosecutors advocating for bail.

The incident unfolded when Reid was assisting an elderly man who encountered difficulties with a MetroCard vending machine. After allowing the man to pass through an emergency exit, Reid observed Thomas bypass the turnstile without paying. She instructed Thomas to return and pay her fare; at that point, Aldridge interjected, asking if she could also enter through the open door. Reid reiterated that both women were required to pay their fare.

According to law enforcement accounts, the situation escalated quickly as one of the women forcibly pushed Reid to the ground, subjecting her to a series of punches and kicks. Notably, Thomas is alleged to have struck Reid with a closed fist while holding keys, inflicting multiple blows. Reid’s work environment was made even more troubling as Thomas’s 2-year-old son was present during the altercation.

Emergency Medical Services transported Reid to Brookdale Hospital, where she was reported in stable condition, having sustained minor injuries including cuts and a swollen hand requiring X-rays.

Following the incident, both suspects allegedly fled the scene on foot. In response to this troubling episode, NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow condemned the assault and has called for “maximum justice” against the assailants, labeling the incident a senseless attack on an MTA worker. As the legal proceedings continue, he emphasized the importance of the court system in delivering appropriate consequences for the individuals involved.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Aldridge’s arraignment was pending, and the community remains vigilant in following the developments of this case. The incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by service workers and the necessity for enhanced protective measures within public transportation systems.

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