7 train with broken glass (Twitter: @TripleG_RTO)
Aug. 24, 2020 By Allie Griffin
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a serial 7-train window smasher.
There have been more than 70 incidents involving broken subway windows since May, according to MTA and NYPD officials. The damage totals more than $300,000, MTA Chairman Pat Foye said at a press conference today.
Foye announced the reward for tips leading to the arrest and indictment of the “sociopath” responsible for the 7-train damage today. The $10,000 is in addition to the $2,500 reward provided by the NYPD Crime Stoppers.
He said he hopes that prosecutors put the perpetrator in prison, adding that it would send a message to the public that this is not to be tolerated.
Foye said the MTA will also pursue civil litigation against the perpetrator in an attempt to recover the costs associated with replacing the smashed windows.
Last year such vandalism was “virtually nonexistent,” Jason Savino, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Central Robbery Division said at the press conference. “Now it’s prominent. It’s a growing problem.”
“We need the public’s help,” he said. “Put on your little detective shields.”
Windows have been smashed on the 7, 2 and 3 subway lines. There have been 53 such incidents in Manhattan, 14 in Queens, two in Brooklyn and one in the Bronx since May.
A witness filmed a man smashing a 7-train window with a hammer on Aug.1 and sent it to the NYPD, which released a photo of the man in hopes someone can identify him.
We’re still looking for this guy, wanted for damaging several subway cars- Someone knows who he is- Call @NYPDTips at 800-577-TIPS with any info (for Spanish: 888-57-PISTA) Remember, you can remain anonymous #YourSubwaysYourCall https://t.co/4cXBIsNcm2
— NYPD Transit (@NYPDTransit) August 18, 2020
Last night, a vandal targeted the 7 train yet again, according to Pat Warren, Chief Safety Officer of the MTA. He said four windows were smashed.
“It continues to be an infuriating problem for the MTA and everyone in New York City,” Warren said. “This is your money, this is your time on the trains and the inconvenience costs you.”
Trains must be pulled from service for the windows to be replaced. Repairing the trains has caused delays, impacting riders from Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Sunnyside..
The officials wouldn’t say if they believe the damage was the work of one individual or multiple people.
Foye was asked whether spending $10,000 on a reward made sense for the cash-strapped agency.
“This person … has already cost us $300,000, trains have been taken out of service, hundreds of thousands of customers have been disrupted, and clearly offering a reward for information leading the arrest and indictment of a person who’s caused $300,000 in damages in scores of incidents is money well spent,” he said.
The MTA and NYPD are asking anyone with information regarding the vandalism to call 1-800-577-TIPS.
Another 7 train got violated today @NYCTSubway @NYPDTransit this is getting out of control @ClaytonGuse @progressiveact @dahvnyc @danrivoli I wonder if it’s the same guy they caught and let go ??♂️ pic.twitter.com/Ki0clZTOlH
— Gomez (@TripleG_RTO) August 20, 2020
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