Metro-North Rider Hit Conductor In Face With Pumpkin: DA

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A woman who is accused of using a pumpkin to violently attack a Metro-North conductor is now facing felony assault charges, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday.

Alexis Adams of the Bronx was charged with two counts of felony assault and a warrant was issued for her arrest on October 22. The MTA Police Department arrested Adams and the 21-year-old was arraigned in Mount Vernon City Court on October 28.

On October 11, just after 6 p.m., Adams hit the train conductor in the face with a pumpkin and then punched the train worker in the face and head multiple times, according to the felony complaint, The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated for injuries from the attack. The MTA employee reportedly required a number of stitches.

The assault happened shortly after Adams failed to produce a ticket and the conductor told her to leave the train at the next stop, according to prosecutors.

"Violent attacks on essential workers doing their jobs will not be tolerated," Rocah said announcing the charges. "Metro-North Railroad conductors, like all public facing employees, have a right to feel safe in their workplace."

The case is being prosecuted by the Mount Vernon Branch of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Adams is scheduled to appear again in Mount Vernon City Court on Nov. 10.

The MTA Police Department investigated the case.

"Throughout the pandemic, we have called upon our conductors to do more than ever before. They need to know that we are absolutely committed to making their work environment as safe as possible," Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said. "I applaud MTA PD for their investigation which led to the arrest and to the District Attorney’s office for sending a very clear message that assaults like this will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

The charges against the defendant are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.