Brooklyn Subway Shooting: NYPD Seeks Suspect in Deadly Incident at Rockaway Avenue Station

BROOKLYN, NY — The NYPD is intensifying its search for the suspect responsible for fatally shooting a man inside a Brooklyn subway station late Thursday night. The incident unfolded just after 11 p.m. at the Rockaway Avenue station in the Ocean Hill neighborhood, sending shockwaves through the community.

The victim, identified as 47-year-old Freddie Weston of Crown Heights, was found on the mezzanine level near the C train with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency responders transported Weston to Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and no arrests have been made at this time.

Despite a recent report from the NYPD highlighting a 6.4% decrease in citywide crime for August compared to the previous year, and 2024 being marked as the third-safest year on record for subway crime (excluding COVID-19 years), the perception of safety among subway riders tells a different story. Many commuters continue to feel uneasy while using the subway system, citing frequent reports of violence.

One commuter voiced these concerns, saying, “I hear all the time about people getting stabbed, pushed onto trains; it feels like there’s something happening every day.” This sentiment reflects the anxiety of those who depend on the subway for daily transportation and fear becoming victims themselves.

The NYPD has reported that over 60% of the shootings across New York City are connected to gang activity, underscoring a broader issue of gang violence impacting not only neighborhoods but also public transit. The recent incident at Rockaway Avenue station adds to the troubling pattern of crime that affects many subway users’ sense of security.

Another rider shared their apprehension about using the subway amid rising violence, stating, “A lot of people use the subway every day, and that’s just life. But it’s scary.” This fear is echoed by many as they navigate the complexities of daily commutes in a city grappling with crime.

As the investigation into Freddie Weston’s death continues, the NYPD urges anyone with information to come forward. Authorities are working diligently to identify and apprehend the suspect, with hopes of bringing some sense of justice and closure to the victim’s family and the broader community. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the city in ensuring the safety of its public spaces, especially the vital subway system used by millions.