URGENT UPDATE: A 26-year-old man has been arrested following a brutal slashing incident at the 53rd Street subway station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. NYPD officials report the attack occurred around 1 p.m. on December 25, 2023, leaving a 33-year-old man hospitalized with multiple injuries.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic confrontation near the turnstiles before the assault, which allegedly involved a box cutter. Emergency responders rushed the victim to the hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition.
Authorities identified the suspect as Caleb Polidore, a resident of Crown Heights, who was taken into custody at the station. He faces serious charges including assault, weapons possession, menacing, and harassment.
The NYPD is actively investigating the motive behind the altercation, as police data indicates a concerning trend in transit crime. While felony assaults in the 72nd Precinct, which encompasses Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace, have decreased by approximately 10% compared to last year, transit crime has surged by about 31%, with over 30 incidents reported this year alone.
Citywide, transit crime has shown a slight decline of nearly 5% year over year, but the NYPD highlights that felony assaults remain steady. Notably, 2025 is projected to be the transit system’s safest year since 2009, with the exception of the early COVID-19 pandemic when ridership plummeted.
As this developing story unfolds, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The NYPD continues to prioritize safety in the transit system, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance during this spike in crime.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation evolves.
