4 days ago
Man removed from life support after Times Square subway assault
NEW YORK (PIX11) — A 51-year-old man who was critically injured in a violent subway assault in Times Square has been taken off life support, according to his partner.
Diego Alvarez-Escobar was punched during a confrontation in the mezzanine of the N, Q and R lines at the 42nd Street station around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, police sources said. He fell backward and struck his head on the floor, suffering internal brain bleeding and a possible skull fracture.
More Local News
Authorities initially said the Bronx man was placed on life support. But on Thursday, his partner, Miguel Tenecela, told PIX11 that doctors had since removed the machines keeping him alive.
'He's off life support,' Tenecela said. 'They took out the tube today.'
Tenecela said the man was injured while trying to intervene when another rider was being harassed.
'Someone on the subway tried to attack a lady, and he tried to help the lady and took a punch in the face and fell down,' he said.
Still, Tenecela said there are hopeful signs. 'I tried to talk with him — he opened his eyes, recognized me and held my hand just for a second,' he said.
Tenecela described a moment of hope, 'The doctor put his two hands up and said, 'Diego, put up two fingers,' and he did.'
Doctors told him the road to recovery will be slow. 'He's getting better — the doctors said he'll be fine, but it's going to take time,' Tenecela said.
The suspect fled the station after the assault and has not been caught. Police said he was believed to be a black male in his 30s wearing a grey polo shirt, blue jeans, and a backpack.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
