Dramatic new video shows a straphanger taking matters into his own hands, pinning down an unhinged man in a deadly incident at a Manhattan subway station this week. The 24-year-old passenger stepped in after the vagrant, identified by sources as J.N., 30, began going on an aggressive rant on a northbound F train Monday afternoon, according to police and a witness who took the video. According to the freelance journalist who took the video:
"He starts to make a speech. He started screaming in an aggressive manner. He said he had no food, he had no drink, that he was tired and doesn’t care if he goes to jail. He started screaming all these things, took off his jacket, a black jacket that he had, and threw it on the ground." At this point, the straphanger, whom sources said is a Marine veteran, came up behind N. and took him to the ground in a chokehold, keeping him there for some 15 minutes.
N., who was living on the streets and had a history of mental health issues, lost consciousness after being put in the chokehold, and EMS workers at the station were unable to revive him. N. had numerous prior arrests for offenses including assault, disorderly conduct, and fare beating. The Marine veteran was taken into custody and released without charges. The investigation is ongoing and authorities were waiting on autopsy results before deciding whether to pursue charges against the younger man. The cameraman said he had mixed feelings about the encounter:
I think that in one sense it’s fine that citizens want to jump in and help. But I think as heroes we have to use moderation. This would never have happened if the police had shown up within five minutes. Then we’d be talking about a true hero. It’s complicated.
