Brooklyn Subway Attacks: Man Arrested After Violent Rampage
SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn – A 25-year-old man, Curtis Signal, has been arrested by police in connection with a series of unprovoked attacks that occurred at a Brooklyn subway station over the weekend. The attacks have left the community shaken and raised serious questions about safety within the city’s subway system.
Victim Recovering After Brutal Assault
Benita Frias, one of the victims of Saturday’s subway attack, is currently recovering from surgery. Her family describes the assault as completely random and terrifying. “She didn’t look at him on the face, there was no interaction,” stated Isamar Duran, Frias’ daughter. Ms. Frias, a 43-year-old home health aide, was returning home from her overnight shift when she was violently attacked.
Duran detailed the severity of her mother’s injuries, including severe beatings to the face, the back of her head, her chest, and a smashed knee. “She’s very traumatized, she’s in shock,” Duran added. The incident highlights the vulnerability of commuters using the subway system.
Details of the Attacks
The attacks took place around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at the R train station located at 53rd Street and 4th Avenue in Sunset Park. According to police reports, Signal initiated his violent spree by pushing a 51-year-old woman onto the subway tracks. He then attacked Frias and subsequently punched a 17-year-old girl. The quick succession of attacks underscores the unpredictable nature of the violence.
Suspect’s Criminal History and Concerns
Curtis Signal has a concerning criminal history, with nine prior arrests over the past five years. The majority of these arrests are related to assault, with two previous incidents occurring within the transit system. He was currently on probation at the time of the attacks. This has sparked outrage and questions about why an individual with such a history was free to potentially harm others. “This is very concerning, because why is somebody like that on the streets, why is that person not even in jail? I don’t understand,” Duran expressed, echoing the sentiments of many in the community.
The other two victims involved in Saturday’s attack are reported to be in stable condition as Frias’ family anxiously awaits her recovery. The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures within the subway system.
Legal Proceedings
Signal was arraigned on Sunday night and is currently being held without bail. He faces at least three assault charges, with the possibility of additional charges being filed. During his arrest, Signal reportedly told police, “he did what he had to do.”
For more information on subway safety and transit updates, visit the MTA website.
Source: ABC7NY
