Two more fare evaders who allegedly packed heat while illegally entering the New York City subway system found themselves behind bars Wednesday, police reported.
The latest collars come at a time when the NYPD has stepped up its efforts to stop fare evasion in an effort to keep transit crime low, and restore a sense of safety for commuters.
“Who says fare evasion enforcement doesn’t help create a safer subway system? Not us, that’s for sure!” Chief Of Transit Michael Kemper wrote on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) regarding the arrests.
According to police sources, the first arrest took place at Brooklyn’s Broadway Junction station at around 2:38 p.m. on April 10, when a 16-year-old boy was spotted by cops jumping the turnstile.
Upon stopping the teen, authorities say, the youth gave them a false name. They then found in his possession a 9-millimeter, loaded and defaced Ruger handgun.
The youth, whose identity was not released, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, theft of service, and unlawful possession of an ammo feeding device.
Repeat offender caught in emergency gate
Just hours later, cops in Harlem approached a man who entered the Lenox Avenue and West 111 Street station through the emergency gate at around 5:25 p.m. on April 10.
Apparently known to police as a repeat offender, 30-year-old Jahkim Wright was placed in handcuffs and was discovered with a loaded Ruger LCP 380 caliber in his front hoodie pocket. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and intent to fraud transit.
Police sources report that Wright has a list of prior arrests, including for a brutal Bronx stabbing in December of 2015. Sources familiar with the incident alleged that Wright was at one time a known gang member.
In February 2020, Wright was imprisoned on a first-degree attempted assault conviction, and was paroled on March 9, 2022, according to court records.
MTA New York City Transit President Richard Davey thanked police for the apprehension.
“Within hours across multiple boroughs, the NYPD demonstrated again how stopping fare evaders helps keep riders safe, when two people who entered without paying were stopped with loaded guns. We’ve said it before – criminals don’t pay to get in – and it’s another example of how vigilant officers are making a difference,” Davey said in a statement.
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