New York City police have arrested the man accused of shoving a Mexican immigrant onto Subway tracks last week. The alleged assailant sported a Make America Great Again hat during the incident, and is now in police custody as of Thursday morning.
The suspect, who has been identified as Willie Ames, has been questioned for attacking Luis Lopez, a 24-year-old construction worker, according to theNew York Daily News.
Last week it was reported by ABC that Ames and Lopez got into an argument on the 4 train, before Ames began assaulting him. When the train reached Union Square in Manhattan, Ames reportedly followed Lopez and shoved him onto the tracks.
During the incident, Ames sported the bright red MAGA hat that became popular for supporters of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election. Lopez immigrated to America six years ago from Morelos, Mexico, and had just finished work when the assault took place. “I don’t know why he targeted me,” Lopez said. “He started yelling that I was there to take his job and that we bring drugs here.”
“I fell head-first,” Lopez told NYDN. “My head hit the railing. I tried to get up, but lost consciousness. I couldn’t move. My friend jumped in to get me out. He saved my life.”
Lopez suffered cuts on his head and was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.“Thank God there wasn’t a train coming it would have been a sure death,” Lopez said. “I would have died if it wasn’t for him.”
Police apprehended Ames in Staten Island on Thursday morning, according to NYDN. Charges against the 47-year-old are pending.
