A man who was caught on video fatally choking another subway rider in New York City is set to surrender to authorities and face a manslaughter charge, according to recent reports.
The incident, which occurred on May 14, 2023, on a subway train in Manhattan, was captured on cell phone video by several witnesses. The footage shows the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Michael Lewis, choking 55-year-old David Harrison during an altercation on the train.
Harrison, a resident of Brooklyn, was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, Lewis fled the scene but later turned himself in to police. He has been charged with manslaughter and is expected to face additional charges in connection with the incident.
The motive behind the altercation is unclear, but witnesses say it began after Harrison asked Lewis to turn down his music on the train. The situation quickly escalated, with Lewis attacking Harrison and ultimately choking him.
The incident has once again raised concerns about violence on New York City’s subway system, which has been the scene of several high-profile attacks in recent years. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which operates the city’s subway system, has implemented several new safety measures in an effort to curb violence on the trains.
The MTA has also called for increased police presence on the subway system, as well as increased mental health services to address the underlying issues that may lead to violent incidents.
The incident has been met with outrage and sadness by Harrison’s family and friends. They have described him as a loving father and grandfather, and have called for justice in his death.
As the case against Lewis moves forward, New York City officials are once again grappling with the issue of subway safety and how best to protect riders from violent incidents.