Nov. 11, 2022 By Czarinna Andres
A South Ozone Park man was indicted by a Queens grand jury on manslaughter charges Thursday for the death of a fellow subway rider at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station on Oct. 17 as a result of a physical altercation.
Carlos Garcia, 50, of 133rd St., was indicted and arraigned yesterday on a two-count indictment charging him with manslaughter in the second degree and assault in the second degree.
“Our subway system is a vital lifeline and must be safe for the millions of New Yorkers who depend on it every day,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “My office will continue to hold accountable anyone undermining the safety of our public transit systems.”
According to the charges. Garcia got into a dispute with Heriberto Quintana, the victim, inside the station at around 4:45 p.m,, after they brushed shoulders and Garcia’s phone fell onto the tracks.
The dispute turned physical when Garcia punched Quintana, 48, causing him to fall onto the edge of the platform at the exact time a Jamaica-bound F train approached the station. The train collided with the victim, causing his death.
Garcia faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He was ordered to return to court on Dec. 7.