Investigators released images of a man accused of attacking a stranger on a staircase before fleeing the station.
NEW YORK — Police are searching for a man accused of stabbing a 44-year-old stranger inside a Brooklyn subway station and fleeing before officers arrived.
The New York Police Department released images of the suspect after the Wednesday night assault at the Sutter Avenue-Rutland Road station in Brownsville. Police said the attack happened at about 9:15 p.m. July 8 as the victim walked on an interior staircase.
According to investigators, the unknown man approached the victim, displayed a sharp instrument and stabbed him in the back. The assailant then left the station. Police said there was no known relationship between the two men and no apparent dispute before the attack.
The victim was taken to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. Authorities have not released his identity or provided further details about his injuries.
Images distributed by police show the person sought wearing a white T-shirt and jeans and carrying a backpack. Authorities described him as having dark hair and a medium complexion. Police have not released his name or age.
Investigators have not announced a motive. They also have not said where the suspect went after leaving the station or whether additional surveillance video captured his movements outside the transit system.
The NYPD classified the case as an assault investigation. No criminal charges had been filed because the person responsible had not been taken into custody.
The search remained active Sunday. Police had not announced an arrest, and no updated description of the suspect or the weapon had been released.
Author note: Last updated July 12, 2026.