MTA Local 100 workers blast delay in Bronx subway cleaner attack case; homeless suspect has mental health issues
Relatives and colleagues of an MTA subway cleaner severely beaten at a Bronx station last year said they are tired of legal delays as mental health experts determine the competency of his alleged attacker.
MTA cleaner Anthony Nelson, 36, is still recovering from injuries he suffered in August when he was beaten by a homeless man at the Pelham Bay Park station, at the northern end of the No. 6 line.
Cops said Alexander Wright, 50, was harassing several women outside the elevated station, and when Nelson came to their aid, Wright hit him from behind and slammed him to the sidewalk.
Nelson suffered a broken collarbone, a broken nose and other injuries.
Wright has already been deemed fit to stand trial. But at a Criminal Court hearing on Wednesday, his lawyer, Claudia Montoya, asked a Bronx judge for more time to evaluate the latest assessment.
The judge adjourned the proceedings until July 27.
Wright, whose rap sheet includes at least 13 prior arrests, appeared in court with his attorney.
Robert Kelly, vice president of stations for Transport Workers Union Local 100, said the motion was just another stall tactic.
“We want justice. We want it now,” Kelly said, “The doctors found him fit to stand trial. This is just another plot by his attorneys to delay things. Now it’s time for action.”
Meanwhile, Nelson continues to struggle with chores like cooking and laundry.
“I do what I have to do for my child,” said the victim’s mother, Lisa Nelson, 56. “He’s not a burden, but it’s rough. He’s a man, and now he can’t do his daily activities, so that does fall on me.”
She said her son has had two surgeries and is still doing physical therapy.
She said the assault has impacted her grandchildren.
“They don’t take the train,” she said. “I don’t even take the train. I take a cab to work every day. The Uber rates vary, 30 to 42 dollars. Maybe I will take the train again, but for now I just can’t.”
Kelly said the toll on Nelson, the station cleaner, has been physical and mental.
“You’re talking about a very hands-on dad,” Kelly said. ”He’s been there, not just mentally, but physically for his children. And he doesn’t have that ability to do that anymore. He’s suffering from some depression. "
MTA worker Jenae Moret said she had to take six months off from work after she suffered an attack on the train.
“I was afraid to get on a train and even now when I do I am always constantly looking,” Moret said.
“We’re verbally abused, and we’re physically abused a lot. Everyone has their own experience with this,” she added. “I think with everything that happened with COVID there’s a lot of people who are out in the system who are not getting the help they need.”
