Man sucker punched on subway highlights concerns about transit crime

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- A shocking sucker punch during rush hour on a crowded subway train was caught on camera in Brooklyn. Passengers pulled out their phones to record as the confrontation escalated.

"I ain't got time to go to jail today... Get out of my face. Stop staring at me!" suspect Timothy Barbee, 34, was overheard saying to Alexander Rakitin. 

The incident happened aboard a Manhattan-bound N train Monday morning, escalating into a brawl.

"I didn’t think he was going to hit me, even though he was being aggressive. It’s insane to do that," said Rakitin, 42, who was punched in the face after an accidental brush with Barbee.

Rakitin, a Manhattan-based attorney, said he tried to de-escalate the situation. "Nobody’s looking for a fight. We’re just going to work," he said.

Despite his efforts, tensions flared, and the man eventually sucker-punched him and the two went down to the floor, with Rakitin holding the other man down. 

"There was zero chance I was going to let go. I’m holding on for my life." Rakitin said he restrained Barbee on the floor for at least ten minutes. Police responded to the scene and arrested the alleged aggressor.

We showed the video to fellow subway riders, who all offered the same advice: walk away.

"Some people are short-tempered, and you can’t do anything about it," one rider said.

"I get pushed by people, and I move on, you know," added another.

"People are upset and angry. You have to stay away," said a third.

Mayor Eric Adams addressed transit crime Tuesday, reiterating recent safety improvements in the subway system over the last month. "We witnessed over a 20 percent decrease in crime in our subway system," Adams said.

Rakitin, however, pushed back on the mayor’s remarks. "No matter how many times you say it, the subway is a dangerous place, period," he said.

Rakitin is pursuing charges against the aggressor, aiming to set an example. "They should face the consequences of their actions," he said.

Barbee has been charged with felony assault and was released on his own recognizance Tuesday afternoon. His attorney at the Legal Aid Society declined to comment.