Kamel Hawkins, a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident, was arrested after allegedly shoving a straphanger onto subway tracks in a random attack, leading to the victim suffering severe injuries. Hawkins was promptly apprehended near Columbus Circle and charged with attempted murder and assault. Law enforcement sources revealed that Hawkins had prior run-ins with the law, including assaulting an NYPD officer and weapon possession charges. His father, Shamel Hawkins, mentioned that his son had been acting strangely recently, attributing it to a possible mental issue or someone tampering with his marijuana. Despite his family’s attempts to help, Kamel’s behavior escalated, ultimately culminating in the disturbing subway incident.
The video footage captured the victim falling onto the subway tracks just as an incoming train approached, yet the man miraculously survived with head injuries. The victim sustained multiple fractures, including broken ribs, a fractured skull, and a ruptured spleen. Authorities emphasized how fortunate the man was to fall into the trench on the tracks, which likely prevented more severe injuries. The incident raised concerns about public safety, with the NYPD Police Benevolent Association President cautioning that individuals who attack law enforcement officers are capable of posing a threat to civilians as well. The case highlighted the potential dangers of individuals with prior criminal histories being involved in violent acts against innocent bystanders.
Authorities revealed that Hawkins had a history of criminal activity, with at least three prior arrests, including an assault on an NYPD officer in Queens in 2019. The altercation left the officer with back injuries, underscoring the violent nature of Hawkins’ past behaviors. Additionally, Hawkins faced separate charges in Brooklyn related to assault, harassment, and weapons possession from earlier incidents. The series of offenses raised concerns about Hawkins’ mental state and the need for proper intervention to prevent future violent acts. Family members expressed remorse over their inability to secure timely help for Hawkins before the subway incident occurred.
Hawkins resided in the Whitman Houses public housing complex with his father and brother, where he had exhibited increasingly concerning behavior in recent weeks. According to his father, Hawkins had been fine until a few weeks prior when he started acting erratically. The family suspected that Hawkins may have been manipulated or influenced by external factors, potentially linked to his drug use. Despite their efforts to seek assistance for Hawkins, he resisted and ultimately engaged in violent behavior that resulted in his arrest. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by families in recognizing and addressing mental health issues, especially when substance abuse or social influences exacerbate the situation.
The graphic footage of the subway incident shocked the public and raised awareness about the need for improved safety measures in public transportation systems. The victim’s survival was deemed miraculous due to the quick thinking of bystanders and the layout of the subway tracks. The severity of the victim’s injuries underscored the potential consequences of random acts of violence in public spaces. Hawkins’ arrest shed light on the importance of early intervention for individuals exhibiting erratic behavior or signs of mental distress. Law enforcement officials emphasized the significance of preventing violent individuals from endangering innocent civilians and the importance of upholding justice in such cases to protect the community at large.
