Manhunt launched after conductor punched on Manhattan-bound subway

A New York City subway conductor was hospitalised after being assaulted by a passenger during an overnight incident on a Queens-bound section of the A line, police said.

The attack happened at around 1.30am on Thursday as a Manhattan-bound A train passed through Beach 25th Street station in Far Rockaway. Authorities said the suspect exchanged words with the 37-year-old conductor before striking him in the face.

The punch was delivered with such force that the conductor was thrown backwards, hitting his head against the wall inside the train’s cab. Emergency services were called and the injured worker was taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, where he was reported to be in a stable condition.

Police said the suspect fled immediately after the assault. He was last seen wearing a black coat and remained at large as officers continued their search.

The incident prompted condemnation from senior transport officials, who reiterated concerns about violence directed at frontline transit staff.

NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said:

“Transit employees simply doing their jobs should never be subject to such outrageous and unacceptable attacks. With our vast camera network, we are confident our law enforcement partners will find the person responsible who then must face justice for their reprehensible actions.”

Investigations into the assault are ongoing, with police reviewing CCTV footage from the train and surrounding stations.

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