The perpetrator who viciously attacked a 60-year-old woman at Harlem’s 116th Street station is yet to be fully identified by New Yorkers. However, it is evident that he should not have been allowed to roam free. According to sources, the police let him walk away despite the brutality of the incident.
Here in this area, it seems that the authorities only take action against individuals who have already caused significant harm to others. And even then, it’s not always a guarantee that they will be locked up.
According to recent reports, the individual responsible for the disturbing subway assault of a woman in NYC has been identified as Norton Blake, aged 43. Shockingly, Blake has a criminal record that includes nine prior arrests, including multiple assaults on police officers, and at least one of these arrests was made while he was resisting arrest. This information highlights the concerning nature of the attack and raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in dealing with repeat offenders.
The daughter of the victim expressed the sentiment shared by many New Yorkers, stating that the perpetrator is in need of assistance and should not be left to roam the streets.
As the investigation unfolds, we may come to understand if the individual in question has a history of serious mental illness. Sadly, this occurrence follows a common trend where those suffering from untreated and chronic mental illness exhibit erratic and dangerous behaviour in public spaces such as subways.
As someone who has been in and out of hospitals, jails, and prisons, Blake’s story is a sad example of how our criminal justice and mental health systems have failed him.
Mayor Eric Adams has managed to achieve a certain level of success in his efforts to have the mentally ill homeless population involuntarily committed by the city. However, there are legal limitations on what the NYPD and courts can do in this regard, and the progressive lawmakers who hold power in the Legislature and City Council seem to prefer things to stay that way.
As we gather more information regarding this case, it’s disheartening to note that the victim is yet another innocent individual who has fallen prey to the negligence of several New York leaders when it comes to public safety. Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
It’s crucial that justice is served for her and the other innocent individuals who have suffered. In addition, it’s essential that better measures are put in place to ensure the protection of the 8 million others who are also at risk.
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