A 20-year-old Brooklyn resident has been apprehended in connection with a subway shooting incident that occurred during rush hour. Alexander Villanfana, arrested on Tuesday, was allegedly involved in the incident that occurred on a Manhattan-bound C train on November 28.
According to the police, the incident began with an argument between Villanfana and a 17-year-old boy on the train. It escalated when Villanfana reportedly produced a gun and fired multiple shots. The teenager was wounded in the left hand, and a 57-year-old passenger, who was not involved in the altercation, sustained a gunshot wound to his left ankle. After the shooting, the assailant fled the scene, leading to a disruption in the C train’s schedule. It caused the train to run express and bypass the Ralph Avenue stop for two hours as law enforcement conducted their investigation.
Both victims were transported to local hospitals and are currently in stable condition. Alexander Villanfana was apprehended at his Cypress Hills residence on Tuesday morning. He awaits arraignment in the Brooklyn Criminal Court, facing charges that include two counts each of attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment.
In response to the arrest, NYC Transit President Richard Davey highlighted the enhanced security provided by the increased deployment of cameras inside subway cars. These cameras will assist investigators in identifying and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to commuters in New York City.
