Homeless ‘A-Train Ripper’, Rigoberto Lopez, was arrested as the culprit for what is now the worst subway stabbing spree since June 2006.
What We Know:
- Lopez was arrested on Saturday evening, 14-hours after the first incident occurred. Authorities say he was arrested because they noticed he fit the description of the alleged killer. Surveillance tapes caught a man leaving the murder scenes that was wearing the same thing as Lopez. He’s also noted as still having dried blood on his clothes during the arrest. Lopez managed to kill 2 people and injure 2 others. The knife used as a weapon was recovered as evidence.
- The NYPD deployed 500 additional cops to patrol the subway stations in an effort to ease public panic and catch the culprit.
- Lopez is being charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Lopez had previously been arrested at least four times including assaulting a cop and his father.
- Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams notes that much subway crime is linked to people that struggle with mental illness. It is confirmed that the suspect was operating unprovoked, says commanding officer Brian Mcgee.
- The mayor has no comments yet on the recent subway incident. There appears to be a disconnect between Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea in light of other unrelated subway attacks. Similar subway incidents have been a longtime concern for train passengers, and de Blasio is noted for repeatedly dismissing Shea’s concerns for public safety.
Passengers that regularly use the subway station often don’t have any other options to travel. The public deserves to feel safe using a system their tax dollars pay for.
