by New York, NY – A masked teenager has been charged with attempted murder after prosecutors say he nearly killed a 29-year-old woman in a violent robbery on a Manhattan subway train. The victim, who is nonverbal and communicates only through writing, was repeatedly slashed with a large kitchen knife when she refused to hand over her bag.
Confrontation on the No. 3 Train
The incident occurred around 11:10 p.m. Wednesday on a northbound No. 3 train in Lower Manhattan. According to court documents, the suspect — identified as 18-year-old Brandon Balfour — sat alone with the victim and stared at her in what she later described as a “strange” manner.
Sensing danger, the woman attempted to exit the train, but prosecutors say Balfour followed her and issued a chilling threat: give him her bag or face violence.
Refusal Turns Violent
When the woman refused to surrender her bag and looked around for help, Balfour allegedly pulled out a 14-to-16-inch kitchen knife. Surveillance footage cited in the complaint shows him slashing her multiple times — on her left arm, elbow, both hands, and back.
“The stab wounds pierced her diaphragm, causing her internal organs to shift,” prosecutors wrote, adding that she required “significant and extensive surgery” to survive.
The attack left a large pool of blood on the subway floor, according to officials.
Robbery and Escape
After the stabbing, prosecutors say Balfour stole the woman’s cellphone and discarded the knife before fleeing. The victim, bleeding heavily, appeared to try to call for help before collapsing.
She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery. The victim’s condition was stabilized following the operation, but she faces a long recovery.
Arrest at Queens Shelter
Balfour was arrested Friday after police tracked him to a Jamaica, Queens shelter. Officers found the yellow face mask he wore during the attack and a cellphone smeared with blood in his possession.
Manhattan prosecutors moved to have him held without bail, citing the extreme violence of the crime and the risk to public safety.
“This was an unprovoked, brutal attack on a defenseless woman who could not even speak to call for help,” the prosecution said during the arraignment.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Balfour has been charged with attempted murder in the second degree, assault, and robbery. He is scheduled to return to court Thursday.
If convicted, he faces the possibility of decades in prison.
Violence on NYC Transit
The case comes amid ongoing concerns about violent crime on New York City’s subway system. In recent months, officials have announced increased police presence and targeted safety measures, but incidents like this continue to draw public attention.
Transit advocates say such high-profile attacks underscore the importance of better mental health services, stronger crime prevention efforts, and community outreach to keep vulnerable riders safe.
What to Do If You Witness an Attack
Authorities advise riders who witness violence to avoid direct confrontation with armed attackers, immediately alert the train operator, and call 911 as soon as it’s safe. Recording details — such as clothing, distinctive features, and escape routes — can help police track suspects.
The NYPD also urges passengers to report suspicious behavior and to travel in groups when possible, particularly during late-night hours.
According to New York Post, the severity of the woman’s injuries and the brazenness of the attack have shocked the public, with prosecutors calling it one of the most disturbing subway crimes in recent memory.
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