Police say the 72-year-old victim struck a moving No. 4 train and survived.
BRONX, NY — A 29-year-old Brooklyn medical trainee was charged with attempted murder after police said he shoved a 72-year-old man into a moving subway train at the 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station early Thursday, knocking the victim unconscious during the New Year’s Day attack.
Officials said the case moved quickly from an overnight emergency call to an arraignment, with prosecutors alleging the shove was unprovoked. The suspect, identified as Anton Aleshin, pleaded not guilty in Bronx Criminal Court and was ordered held without bail. Police said the victim, who struck the side of a southbound No. 4 train, was hospitalized in stable condition. The incident comes as city leaders tout recent declines in transit crime while maintaining a heightened police presence across the subway system.
Police said the assault happened around 3:30 a.m. Thursday on the downtown platform. The victim, identified by relatives as Julio Figueroa, had been waiting for a train when a stranger approached and pushed him against the side of an arriving No. 4. He fell back onto the platform and lost consciousness, authorities said. Officers and medics responded within minutes and took him to Lincoln Hospital, where family members said he was being treated for head injuries. Aleshin was taken into custody shortly after the attack on or near the station, police said.
According to a criminal complaint, investigators reviewed station surveillance video and interviewed witnesses following the shove. Prosecutors told the court the defendant faces counts that include attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and harassment. Authorities initially listed the victim’s age as 72; court references later indicated 73. Relatives said Figueroa suffered lacerations requiring stitches and remained under observation. The motive was not immediately known. Officials did not detail any prior connection between the men and said the encounter appeared random.
Relatives said Figueroa is a grandfather and had been returning home from a night out when the attack occurred. “He doesn’t really remember what happened,” said his niece, Venis Falu, adding that the family was grateful he survived but wants to understand why it happened. Hospital staff described his condition as stable, with improvement expected. Police said there was no indication the victim was pushed onto the tracks; instead he was thrown against the moving train’s exterior and landed back on the platform, a distinction they said likely spared his life.
City officials have highlighted broader subway safety efforts in recent weeks, noting additional patrols after several high-profile incidents last year. The 161st Street hub, which serves the No. 4, B and D lines and draws heavy crowds on Yankees game days, is typically quieter before dawn in winter. Riders arriving Friday morning found police stationed along the mezzanine and platforms as detectives canvassed for additional witnesses and any cellphone video from commuters who were present at the time.
In court, prosecutors said Aleshin is a medical trainee based in Brooklyn. A spokesperson for the health system associated with his training site declined to comment on the pending case. The judge ordered him held without bail and set the next court date for Tuesday, Jan. 6. Defense counsel from a nonprofit legal organization entered the not guilty plea and did not comment after the hearing. Authorities said additional charges are possible as the investigation proceeds and medical assessments of the victim’s injuries are updated.
On the station platform Friday, riders described a more visible police presence and a subdued mood. “It’s scary to think about because that could be anyone waiting for the train,” said a commuter heading to work from nearby Highbridge. Falu, the victim’s niece, said the family had begun to plan for his recovery. “We’re praying he gets his strength back,” she said. “We’re just relieved he’s still with us.” Detectives continued to seek people who may have seen the shove in the moments before the No. 4 pulled in.
As of Saturday afternoon, police said Aleshin remained in custody and the victim remained hospitalized in stable condition. Investigators planned to review additional camera angles from the station and expected to provide an update ahead of Tuesday’s court appearance.
Author note: Last updated January 3, 2026.