A career criminal, Michael Crosland, 68, was apprehended on Sunday after allegedly assaulting a woman in a Brooklyn subway car in what appeared to be a random attack. However, due to New York’s lenient bail laws, Crosland was released the following day. The incident took place aboard a Q train at the Stillwell Avenue station around 7:30 a.m., as reported by the police and a criminal complaint.
According to the complaint, Crosland repeatedly punched the 39-year-old victim in the right shoulder and kicked her multiple times in the stomach. Following the assault, he proceeded to set papers on fire inside the subway car and ignited a blaze in a trash can on the platform.
The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that she was on her way to the gym when Crosland suddenly appeared and shouted, “Hey, get the f–k out.” Initially unsure if he was joking, she and another woman on the train ignored him. However, the situation quickly escalated as Crosland began throwing kicks and punches, causing the victim to realize the severity of the situation. Another witness who boarded the train described Crosland as “possessed.”
Crosland, who has a lengthy criminal record with at least 25 prior arrests, faced charges of third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault, two counts of attempted arson, and two counts of disorderly conduct, all of which are misdemeanors. During his arraignment in Brooklyn court on Monday, he was granted supervised release since none of the charges were eligible for bail.
The victim, a resident of Brighton Beach, expressed her reluctance to use the Stillwell station in the future, fearing a potential encounter with Crosland, who resides in Coney Island. She emphasized the importance of him being incarcerated, believing it would be in his best interest. The victim also noted that Crosland did not resist arrest and even encouraged other passengers to contact the authorities.
Most of Crosland’s previous arrests, primarily related to drug offenses, date back several decades. His most recent arrest prior to this incident occurred in August 2009 for unauthorized use of a vehicle. Additionally, he was previously charged with assault in Brooklyn in 1999.
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I would highly recommend the use of personal safety apps or devices, such as a personal alarm or a safety app on your smartphone, to ensure your safety in public spaces. These tools can be extremely helpful in situations where you may feel threatened or unsafe, allowing you to quickly alert authorities or draw attention to your situation. It’s always better to be prepared and have a way to protect yourself in case of an emergency. Stay safe!