Police arrest homeless man for slashing two men in separate subway attacks just minutes apart.

A 28-year-old homeless man, identified as Tyquan Manassa, has been taken into custody by authorities following a disturbing incident on a New York City subway platform where he allegedly attacked two individuals with a knife over a span of just five minutes. This violent episode occurred at approximately 3:15 PM on Wednesday at the Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station, located on the Manhattan-bound E train platform.

Manassa was apprehended late Wednesday night at a shelter on Randall’s Island, where he was already in police custody for an unrelated charge of criminal mischief. Upon identifying him, officers linked him to the earlier assaults, which prompted a swift investigation. Surveillance footage of the attacks had been released by police in search of public assistance, which ultimately led to his capture.

The two victims included a 50-year-old local man named Carlos Plasencia, who was en route to his job at a Manhattan restaurant when he became embroiled in the chaotic scene. Reports indicate that moments before Plasencia was attacked, the initial victim, a 42-year-old man, was suddenly assaulted, drawing the attention of bystanders who heard cries for help. Plasencia recounted the horrifying experience, noting that he witnessed the commotion intensify as the assailant brandished a knife.

During the encounter, while holding a knife, Manassa allegedly struck Plasencia below his left eye, inflicting a gash that required seven stitches to treat. Plasencia was subsequently transported to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens for medical attention and was released shortly thereafter, stating he felt fortunate not to have sustained more severe injuries.

This incident raises questions about the ongoing safety in the city’s transit system, where minor increases in assault cases have been documented. As of Sunday, there have been a total of 509 assaults reported on the subway this year, which reflects a slight rise compared to the same period last year. However, transit crime overall has seen a 4% reduction, with declines noted in other criminal activities such as robbery and pickpocketing.

Tyquan Manassa has an extensive criminal history, having been arrested more than a dozen times since 2014, primarily for misdemeanor offenses. He is reported to suffer from mental health issues, and police have made previous attempts to facilitate psychological evaluations for him.

As the investigation continues, authorities continue to monitor and combat safety concerns within the subway system as they seek to ensure the well-being of commuters across New York City. Manassa’s arraignment in Queens Criminal Court is pending. Meanwhile, Plasencia has stated that despite this traumatic experience, he intends to remain vigilant while using the subway in the future.