Man Orders Dog to Attack Subway Rider During Union Square Station Assault, NYPD Says

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NYPD is searching for a suspect after a man ordered his dog to attack a 54-year-old subway rider at Union Square station, leaving the victim injured and hospitalized




By Staff Reporter 

Manhattan Voice 

January 26, 2026


NEW YORK, NY - A violent subway assault involving a dog has prompted the NYPD to ask for the public’s help identifying a suspect after a 54-year-old man was bitten during a confrontation at the Union Square subway station.


According to police, the incident unfolded around 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, inside the busy Union Square station, which falls under the jurisdiction of the 13th Precinct and Transit District 4. What began as a verbal dispute reportedly escalated into a physical and highly unusual attack.




Investigators say the victim became involved in an argument with an unidentified man regarding the man’s dog. During the exchange, the suspect allegedly slapped the victim in the face, then removed the dog’s muzzle and ordered the animal to attack.





The dog bit the victim’s left hand, causing multiple lacerations, police said. The suspect then fled the scene on foot with the dog, disappearing into the surrounding area.


Emergency medical services responded to the Union Square subway station and transported the injured man to NYU Langone Tisch Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.





The NYPD has released images and a description of the individual sought in connection with the subway assault. The suspect is described as:


  • Male


  • Wearing a black hat


  • Camouflage jacket


  • Blue jeans


  • Black shoes


Police say the investigation remains ongoing and are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information about the incident to come forward.





Growing Concerns Over Subway Safety and Dog Attacks


The incident has renewed concerns about subway safety in New York City, particularly as it relates to aggressive behavior and the presence of animals in crowded transit hubs like Union Square. While dogs are permitted on public transportation under specific conditions, authorities stress that using an animal as a weapon constitutes a serious felony offense.


Transit advocates note that the attack highlights the unpredictability of disputes in confined public spaces and the potential dangers faced by everyday commuters.





The NYPD is asking members of the public to assist in identifying the suspect involved in the Union Square subway dog attack. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers, where tips can be submitted anonymously.


This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.


Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips. 


All calls are confidential.


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