A homeless man accused of pushing his grandfather onto New York subway tracks was taken to another station as police announced his arrest.
Derrick Mills, 49, is suspected of pushing Trevor Crawford, 74, off a subway platform and onto the train tracks because he was “angry” that the victim was “looking in his direction.”
Crawford was walking home from work in a Fifth Avenue parking lot when he was allegedly attacked by a mentally ill homeless man.
Mills has since been arrested over the scandalous attack after police tracked him down on Thursday afternoon.
Hours later, a group of law enforcement officers escorted Derrick Mills through Union Square station while subway riders watched the walk unfold.
Derrick Mills, 49, is suspected of pushing Trevor Crawford, 74, off a subway platform and onto the tracks because he was “angry” that the victim was “looking his way.”
Crawford was walking home from work in a Fifth Avenue parking lot when he was allegedly attacked by a mentally ill homeless man.
It’s unclear why officers chose to take Mills through the station after his arrest.
Mills confessed to the crime when law enforcement questioned him about it and he was charged with assault, according to the New York Post.
Outside the subway station, a handcuffed Mills encountered other police officers as the public watched his arrest.
Police found the suspect thanks to a New Yorker who recognized him from surveillance footage of Mills walking on the subway platform.
The suspect was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds and last seen wearing a black polo shirt with brown pants and brown sneakers. Mills had since changed his outfit and was photographed wearing black pants, a gray t-shirt and a flannel jacket at the time of his public arrest.
The shocking assault left Crawford — who his family says weighs just 118 pounds and is just 5 feet 7 inches tall — with five broken ribs and injuries to his pelvis.
The random attack took place at the 68th Street-Hunter College subway station as Crawford waited for the 6 train to arrive around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday morning.
It is unclear why the officers chose to accompany Mills into the station after his arrest.
Police found the suspect thanks to a New Yorker who recognized him from surveillance footage of Mills walking on the subway platform.
The random attack took place at the 68th Street-Hunter College subway station as Crawford waited for the 6 train to arrive around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday morning.
The victim’s granddaughter, Kerry-Ann Martin, told PIX 11 that Crawford still had a palm print on his chest from where he was pushed.
MTA workers were able to get Crawford to safety on the platform before a train approached. Mills fled after the attack.
The victim’s granddaughter, Kerry-Ann Martin, told PIX 11 he still had a palm print on his chest from where he was pushed.
Crawford is the father of three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Martin, his granddaughter, said he was a “feisty” man who “never looked for trouble.”
“His day is coming, that’s it, you’re not just hurting people, we’re all human beings, we’re all supposed to take care of each other, just like animals take care of each other,” a Martin said. .
“You look at the pride, the lion pride, everyone has their job, everyone is different, different race, different color, but that’s what makes us special. You hurt an elder… I hope the police catch him, that’s all I have to say,” Martin added.
His colleagues at the car park where he works said he was “the perfect man”.
“It’s horrible, for a man of his age. Working all day, trying to get home to his family. (sig) mind your own business – and get pushed on the train.
MTA workers were able to get Crawford to safety on the platform before a train approached. Mills fled after the attack
Mills was charged with assault in connection with the incident
“Man, this is unacceptable,” said James, one of his managers.
According to police, a total of ten people have already been pushed onto the subway tracks this year.
This is Mills’ second assault charge, as he was charged in connection with a 2000 incident.
It is unclear whether Mills was convicted of the charges he faced in 2000.
