In a shocking incident on a Brooklyn subway platform, 43-year-old Steven Morales experienced a traumatic encounter with a mentally unstable woman who pushed him onto the train tracks. The harrowing event took place at the Kosciuszko Street station in Bedford-Stuyvesant at around 9 a.m. Morales recounted that he had been observing the woman, who appeared to be arguing with herself and displaying erratic behavior, moments before the attack. Recognizing such behavior from his previous experiences, he attempted to walk past her without engaging. However, just as he approached, she unexpectedly shoved him, causing him to fall onto the tracks. To his surprise, the incident unfolded in what felt like slow motion, leaving him in disbelief as he landed flat on his back.
Morales’ mother, Evelyn, was profoundly affected by the incident. She expressed her overwhelming relief that no train was approaching at the time, emphasizing that the woman’s actions could have resulted in the death of her son. Having received the news later, she was distraught and fearful for her son’s safety, lamenting the growing atmosphere of danger in the city. After falling, Morales found it impossible to climb back onto the platform, prompting him to navigate the tracks in search of a way out. Eventually, he located a service stairwell that led him back to safety where he still saw the woman, now continuing her erratic behavior.
Upon reaching the platform, he summoned police and reported the woman’s actions, exclaiming that she had pushed him onto the tracks. Pain began to set in as he described the injuries he sustained, including a fractured knee, a hairline wrist fracture, and bruises to his head and shoulder. Morales was subsequently taken to Woodhull Hospital for treatment. His mother later picked him up in a distressed state, advocating for changes to be made in regards to public safety and the growing violence witnessed in the streets.
Despite the harrowing ordeal, Morales expressed a remarkably compassionate perspective toward the woman who assaulted him. Rather than harboring resentment, he stated his belief that her actions stemmed from mental health issues, wishing her no harm and expressing a desire for her to receive the help she desperately needs. Morales emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in society, noting that individuals struggling with these issues are often left to roam freely without adequate support, which can lead to dangerous interactions with the general public.
In light of the incident, police presence at the station was increased, with officers stationed on the platform to enhance security. This response underscores the urgent need for measures that can protect passengers from similar violent encounters, especially those related to mental health crises. The NYPD is actively searching for the woman involved in the incident, highlighting a commitment to addressing such alarming behavior in public spaces.
Morales’s traumatic experience raises broader concerns about public safety and mental health support systems. His mother’s distress reflects a common sentiment among city residents who feel increasingly unsafe in their daily lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those dealing with mental illness, as well as the potential risks posed to the community at large. Advocates for mental health reform may be inspired by Morales’s outlook, as he calls for systematic changes to prevent future incidents of violence and ensure that individuals suffering from mental health issues receive proper care and supervision.
