MTA train conductor stabbed multiple times in Brooklyn subway: NYPD

BROOKLYN - An on-duty MTA train conductor is in critical condition after he was stabbed twice Tuesday morning in Brooklyn, police said.

It happened at 10:49 a.m. at the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue Station.

Police said the male conductor, identified as 60-year-old Myron Pollack, was stabbed in the torso and leg by a 27-year-old man. 

Pollack told the suspect to exit the No. 4 subway train as it was the last stop, and he had to go, officials said.

"This guy chased Mr. Pollack, our conductor, on the platform and he attacked him brutally and stabbed him multiple times," MTA CEO Janno Lieber said.

The transit police weren't far from that attack happening in real time, however, they were close enough to see and hear the commotion.

"They immediately went to the commotion, and they observed the perpetrator still on top of the victim," MTA chief security officer Michael Kemper said.

Authorities then arrested the 27-year-old suspect, who has been identified as Jonathan Davalos. Davalos is facing an attempted murder charge. Lieber said the man had faced time in jail for previous attacks on MTA workers and customers. He was released in February to do it all again. 

"This is a guy who not only has a long wrap sheet, but who has made it a practice of attacking people in the transit system, including our employees," Lieber said.

Police said he was taken to Kings County Hospital and is currently undergoing emergency surgery.

"He’s a real pro and everybody relies on him. He mentors people. He’s one of those guys that knows his way around the system and is beloved by his fellow employees," Lieber said.

Officials say the attack is an example of transit recidivism—disproportionately impacting safety on the rails among riders and employees.