Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of VICTOR LOPEZ, 60, to 6 years in state prison for pushing a 19-year-old woman towards the train tracks in Harlem. On May 9, 2023, a New York State Supreme Court jury found LOPEZ guilty of one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree.
“A woman’s life was in serious danger when Victor Lopez decided to attack her in a subway station – with a train moments away,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Thankfully, the woman was able to catch her balance, avoid injury and survive this frightening attack. These attacks tear at public safety and the sentence imposed today reflects that we take all acts of violence in our transit system seriously.”
As proven at trial, on October 11, 2021, the woman was traveling on an express downtown train on her way to meet a friend. She exited the train at the West 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue station to transfer to a local downtown train. At approximately 4:15 p.m., while she was waiting on the platform, LOPEZ — unprovoked — rushed towards the woman, pushing her towards the subway tracks.
The woman stumbled near the yellow line but was able to catch her balance to avoid falling onto the tracks. Moments later, a downtown train pulled into the station. Other New Yorkers waiting on the platform helped flag down police officers in the station. LOPEZ attempted to flee by boarding one of the train cars but was arrested while the train was held in the station.
Assistant D.A. Roy Chon and Daniel Mirabelli handled the prosecution of the case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Jessica Lynn (Chief of Trial Bureau 50) and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Trial Preparation Assistant Hannah Gelber also provided valuable assistance in this case.
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, especially the officers of Transit Division District 3. He also thanked the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Defendant Information:
VICTOR LOPEZ
New York, NY
Convicted:
- Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
Sentenced:
- 6 years in state prison
###