A 72-year-old man riding a Brooklyn subway train was attacked by another commuter after he accused the man of putting his backpack on an empty seat during rush hour, police said Friday.
Cops have released an image of the assailant in the hopes someone recognizes him.
The victim got on a Bay Ridge-bound R train at Court St. in downtown Brooklyn at about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday when he began arguing with the other straphanger as the train rolled into the Atlantic Ave. station, cops said.
The suspect had put his backpack on an empty seat that could have been used by another rider, causing an argument, cops said.
The argument continued on and off for several stops when, at the 25th St. station in Sunset Park, the suspect lunged at his victim, punching him in the head, cops said.
The man ran off the train moments after punching the victim. No arrests have been made.
The senior refused medical attention.
Cops recovered surveillance footage of the attacker, carrying his gigantic backpack, as he left the station.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
