The lives of Jason Volz, 54, and Carlton McPherson, 24, collided tragically on a Harlem subway platform when Mr. McPherson pushed Mr. Volz in front of an oncoming train. Prior to the incident, their lives had been heading in opposite directions. Mr. Volz, who had overcome addiction and homelessness to live in a new apartment, was killed in the attack. Mr. McPherson, who had a history of mental health issues and brushes with the law, was later identified as the assailant.
Mayor Eric Adams, who has been working to address crime and homelessness in the subway system, expressed frustration at the inability to prevent such violent incidents. Despite efforts to keep those struggling with severe mental illness out of the transit system, attacks like the one that took Mr. Volz’s life continue to occur. Both Mayor Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have implemented various initiatives to address these issues, including involuntarily removing mentally ill individuals from the subway for psychiatric treatment. However, the problem persists.
Data shows a mixed picture regarding subway safety in recent years. While rates of some crimes have increased, major crime decreased before rising again in 2023. Efforts to address the issue of mentally ill individuals in crisis on the subway have led to the hospitalization of some individuals for psychiatric or medical reasons. However, challenges remain in convincing some mentally ill individuals to accept treatment and care.
Psychology experts believe that coercive approaches involving police involvement are not the solution to untreated mental illness. Philip Yanos, a psychology professor, questioned the effectiveness of such methods. The tragic outcome of the collision between Mr. Volz and Mr. McPherson highlights the complexities of addressing mental health issues and crime in the subway system. Mr. Volz’s ex-wife expressed sadness at the loss of someone who had overcome significant challenges, while Mr. McPherson’s mother lamented her efforts to provide him with a better life.
Mr. McPherson’s struggles with mental illness and brushes with the law date back to his adolescence. His behavior had deteriorated dramatically in recent years after the death of his grandfather, who had been an authority figure in his life. Witnesses described Mr. McPherson as acting erratically and causing damage in his grandmother’s apartment building. The tragic chain of events leading to Mr. Volz’s death underscores the need for continued efforts to address mental health issues and homelessness in the subway system.
Despite the ongoing challenges, city and state officials have implemented various measures to address violence and homelessness in the subway. Efforts to move homeless individuals into shelters, hospitals, or housing have been made, but the persistence of problems in the subway system indicates a need for further intervention. The tragic incident involving Mr. Volz and Mr. McPherson serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in addressing mental health, crime, and homelessness in urban environments. As authorities continue to grapple with these challenges, the need for comprehensive and compassionate solutions remains evident.
