NEW YORK (PIX11) — A subway rider wrestled the knife away from a man who allegedly stabbed him multiple times in the back during a “horrifying” attack in the Union Square station, authorities said.

Christopher Betancourt, 24, was indicted Monday for attempted murder in connection with the unprovoked attack during a morning commute on Dec. 10, 2025, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

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Prosecutors said Betancourt got off the L train and stabbed the 45-year-old man three times in the back in the Union Square subway station at around 9:50 a.m.

The victim fought Betancourt and was able to disarm him before the suspect ran off, authorities said. The victim then gave cops in the subway station the knife before going to the hospital for treatment, officials said.

“I hope the victim continues to heal from this horrifying transit attack. Individuals who harm New Yorkers in our transit system will be held accountable,” Bragg said.

Police are on the hunt for a masked suspect accused of stabbing a man at the Union Square subway station on Wednesday, according to authorities.

Police are on the hunt for a masked suspect accused of stabbing a man at the Union Square subway station on Wednesday, according to authorities. (Credit: DCPI)

Betancourt was arrested in February and was also charged with attempted assault, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, authorities said.

His attorney could not be reached.

Mira Wassef is an award-winning reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined the PIX11 News digital team in 2022. See more of her work here.

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