A Richmond Hill man has been charged with second-degree attempted murder and other counts for allegedly stabbing a man on a No. 7 subway train at the Mets-Willets Point station on Sept. 21.
Luis Pallchisaca, 21, of 112th Street, also was arraigned last Thursday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Lana Schlesinger on charges of first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to a statement issued by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Pallchisaca allegedly slashed the 25-year-old victim’s throat before stabbing him in the back with an object believed to have been a knife.
The DA’s Office said the victim was left in critical condition after what is being called an unprovoked attack.
The New York Post quoted sources as saying he was admitted to the intensive care unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital in Flushing. He was on a ventilator and was unable to speak due to his injuries.
“As alleged, the defendant mercilessly stabbed the victim in an unprovoked attack and caused life-threatening injuries,” Katz said. “Our subway system is not a battle ground; it is a lifeline for many. My office will use all tools at our disposal to prosecute those who undermine the sense of safety for millions of straphangers in this city. The defendant now faces attempted murder and other charges, and we continue to wish the victim a full recovery.”
Records on the website of the city Department of Correction stated that Pallchisaca was being held on $500,001 bail or $1 million bond. He is facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charges.
Katz’s office said the attack took place at approximately 11:30 p.m. Pallchisaca was said to have been inside a 7 train at the Mets-Willets Point station when the victim entered the subway car.
Pallchisaca allegedly approached the victim from the front before initiating the attack. He then fled the scene.
Officers from the NYPD arrested him at his home on Sept. 24.