Aiexpress – A repeat offender with a history of multiple arrests found himself in police custody once again on Friday morning. The individual had brandished a box cutter while attempting to rob a train in Lower Manhattan. Surprisingly, this incident occurred only a few days after the suspect was released following a similar crime on the subway. According to sources and prosecutors, the suspect has a long record of criminal activities.
Police say 38-year-old Rakeem Washington was caught just before 3 a.m. Friday brandishing a box cutter at a 56-year-old man on a southbound No. 4 train and yelling, “Give me your money!”
The victim refused to pay Washington any money, so sources say Washington grabbed him by the coat, which led to a fight.
Authorities say that Washington was arrested as soon as the victim pointed him out by the driver who called the police.
According to sources, Washington was arrested on Monday for allegedly stealing another passenger’s phone on a No. 6 train in Lower Manhattan, heading uptown.
According to the sources, the suspect approached the 23-year-old commuter and demanded $200. When the commuter refused, the suspect forcibly took the commuter’s phone.
According to a criminal complaint, he is facing charges of third-degree robbery and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Washington was granted supervised release as the charges against him are not eligible for bail.
The NYPD’s Transit Bureau expressed strong disapproval of Washington’s release through a strongly-worded Instagram post. They emphasized that his release resulted in him being able to return to the streets and commit another crime.
The authorities emphasized that the police officers are effectively carrying out their duties and responsibilities. They highlighted that it is now the responsibility of the rest of the criminal justice system to fulfill their obligations.
A 38-year-old career criminal was apprehended by Transit cops on Monday after he forcefully stole a straphanger’s cellphone in Manhattan. Surprisingly, he was released without bail.
“Just four days later, the same perpetrator was arrested again by Transit cops. This time, he was apprehended for attempting to rob another subway rider at knifepoint in Manhattan,” the online posting stated. “New Yorkers deserve better.”
Washington has a long history of arrests in New York City, dating back to 2005. He has been charged with various offenses such as assault, robbery, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and fare evasion, according to sources.
According to online records, he was convicted in 2006 in Nassau County for attempted robbery, robbery, and aggravated harassment.
People who know about his mental health background in the city say that in 2019, he had hallucinations that his face and body were on fire.
People who know Washington say that in 2021, his mother said that her son, who has bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and uses K2, was acting strangely and not taking his medicines.
The police gave Washington’s location as the Manhattan Psychiatric Center on Ward’s Island.
