Homeless parolee charged in random knife attack on NY subway

Lateef Green, a 50-year-old homeless parolee with a history of criminal activity, has been charged with attempted murder in the brutal and unprovoked metal knuckle knife attack on a Bronx subway rider. The incident occurred on a southbound No. 2 train at the 219th Street station in Olinville last Friday morning.

Green, who has more than a dozen prior arrests, allegedly stabbed the 21-year-old victim multiple times in the arm and stomach before fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center and is currently in stable condition after receiving multiple stitches for his wounds.

Following his arrest, Green was charged with attempted murder, assault, attempted assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and harassment. He was held on $300,000 cash bail or $900,000 bond during his arraignment.

This is not Green’s first brush with the law. He has a long criminal record, with 13 prior arrests to his name. In 2016, he was involved in a hate-fueled attack in Manhattan where he assaulted another man, breaking his nose. Green was convicted of third-degree assault as a hate crime and resisting arrest and served nearly four years in prison.

After his release on parole in January 2021, Green’s post-release supervision is set to expire in October 2026. However, his recent arrest for the subway stabbing may result in his parole being revoked. State Corrections officials have issued a warrant for his arrest and he is currently being held at the Eric M. Taylor Center on Rikers Island.

Green’s attorney, Susan Light, has not commented on the case. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday to address the stabbing charges. In addition to the recent attack, Green’s most recent prior arrest was for jumping a turnstile at a Brooklyn subway station in February.

The violent and unprovoked nature of the attack has shocked the community and highlighted the need for increased safety measures on public transportation. Authorities are working to ensure that Green is held accountable for his actions and that justice is served for the victim.