Suspect in MTA worker attack determined unfit to stand trial
The judge says that Alexander Wright is unfit to stand trial due to his current mental state and will remain hospitalized until deemed fit for trial.
The suspect in an attack on a Metropolitan Transportation Authority worker nearly a year ago at the Pelham Bay Park subway station was determined unfit to stand trial.
In August 2022, MTA cleaner Anthony Nelson was trying to stop Alexander Wright from harassing other people. He sustained a broken nose and collarbone.
Wright appeared in court Thursday and currently faces two counts of second-degree assault and one count of third-degree assault. TWU Local 100 members banded together on Thursday at court to support one of their own.
At Thursday’s hearing, the judge says that Wright is unfit to stand trial due to his current mental state and will remain hospitalized until deemed fit for trial.
“Very displeased today that he’s not standing trial or not fit to stand trial,” said Robert Kelley, vice president of the MTA union. “At the very least, at least he’s still locked up.”
There is no official date for Wright’s next court appearance. Members of the MTA union who were at court Thursday say they will not stop fighting for justice in the name of Anthony Nelson.
Between January and April 2023, the MTA reported a total of 450 assault and harassment incidents toward transit employees.
“We are being assaulted on a daily basis,” said Shirley Martin, vice president of the MTA union TWU Local 100. “If we fight back, the transit authority immediately terminates our service.”
