Man arrested for pepper-spraying mother and baby on Queens subway.

A man has been apprehended in connection with a disturbing assault involving a pepper spray incident on a New York City subway train. The incident occurred on June 20, 2025, on a southbound M train in Queens, affecting both a young mother and her infant daughter.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Edward Vargas, was arrested around 11 a.m. on Thursday, following an investigation by the New York City Police Department. Vargas allegedly approached a 25-year-old mother and her 11-month-old baby as they sat on the train. He reportedly sprayed the woman directly in the face and arm with a stinging irritant as the train approached the Court Square-23rd Street station. The spray inadvertently affected the infant, hitting her face and arm as well.

Prior to the assault, Vargas had reportedly asked the woman if he could use her cellphone, a request she declined. Following this initial encounter, Vargas is believed to have followed the mother and child onto the train, where the incident escalated. After the spraying occurred, Vargas exited the train at the station in an apparent effort to evade capture.

The actions taken by law enforcement were swift, leading to Vargas’s identification and subsequent detention. On the day of his arrest, Vargas was seen being escorted from the NYPD’s Transit District 20 in Queens, dressed in rust-orange velour pants and an orange and green palm tree-patterned shirt. He now faces two counts of assault related to the incident.

Public safety and the need for a secure commuting environment remain paramount concerns for New Yorkers using the subway system. Incidents of violence or threats can significantly impact the community’s perception of safety on public transport. As authorities continue to address such issues, they emphasize vigilance and the importance of immediate reporting of suspicious behavior to ensure the safety of all passengers.

As the investigation unfolds, further details regarding Vargas’s motive and any prior criminal history may be revealed. The case has drawn attention to the wider issue of assaults on public transportation, underscoring the need for continued dialogue around safety measures and community awareness in urban transit systems.