A 34-year-old homeless man with a lengthy criminal history, including dozens of previous arrests, was taken into custody after attempting to rape a woman on a Midtown subway train, according to NYPD officials.
Brutal Subway Attack: Victim Fights Back
The suspect, Tyriek Martin, was riding a W train near 42nd St.–Times Square station around noon on Thursday when he suddenly grabbed a woman, smashed her head into a pole, and threw her to the ground before attempting to sexually assault her, police said.
Alone in the train car, the 34-year-old victim fought back, resisting the assault. As the train pulled into the Times Square station, she screamed for help, catching the attention of construction workers on the platform, who rushed in and pinned down Martin until police arrived.
The victim, who suffered a fractured nose, was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.
Suspect’s Long Criminal History Raises Concerns
Martin has been arrested more than 40 times, with charges including:
- Robbery
- Drug possession
- Misdemeanor assault
- Public lewdness
His most recent arrest before this attack was just last Saturday, but that case remains sealed.
In August 2023, he was arrested for punching a woman in the face, but he was given a desk appearance ticket and later released under supervision.
In May 2021, Martin was accused of smashing a 2-year-old child in the face with a suitcase while the toddler sat in a stroller. The case was dismissed after he was found unfit to stand trial, similar to an April 2022 case where he allegedly threw an aerosol can at a traffic agent.
With such dismissals, suspects are typically ordered to spend up to 90 days in a mental health facility, but details on whether Martin ever received treatment remain unclear.
Arraignment Pending: What’s Next?
Martin has been charged with attempted rape, sexual abuse, and misdemeanor assault. His arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending as of Friday.
His next court date for his August assault case is scheduled for Thursday.
Growing Concerns Over Public Safety and Mental Health Policies
Martin’s repeated violent offenses and continued release raise serious concerns about mental health treatment, public safety, and the effectiveness of the city’s legal system.
Advocates for criminal justice reform argue that mentally ill offenders like Martin should receive long-term treatment rather than cycling through arrests and releases.
This latest brutal attack on a subway train has renewed calls for stricter policies regarding repeat offenders, especially those with a history of violence against women and children.
For now, many New Yorkers remain outraged, questioning how Martin was allowed to remain on the streets despite his extensive history of violence.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.