The Brooklyn district attorney has decided not to pursue charges against an MTA cleaner accused of slashing a sleeping man on duty due to the inability to locate the victim. The cleaner, who has worked with the MTA for 15 months, was arrested for allegedly cutting a man’s forehead with a knife at the Atlantic Ave.–Barclays Center station. However, video footage did not capture the entire incident, and investigators have been unable to find the victim.
The MTA cleaner faces felony and misdemeanor assault charges, as well as criminal weapon possession. A video shows the cleaner pouring cleaning agent on the platform and the sleeping man’s legs before an altercation occurs off-screen. The MTA spokesperson did not comment on the incident, and the Transport Workers Union is conducting an internal review.
Brooklyn D.A. Eric Gonzalez’s office declined to provide further information on the decision not to pursue charges. The case remains open, but without the victim’s cooperation, prosecution is deferred. The union representing the cleaner is committed to ensuring a fair and just process for all parties involved in the incident. As of now, it is unclear if the MTA cleaner will face any internal investigation or disciplinary action related to the altercation.
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