In a recent incident at a Manhattan subway station, John Rote, a 43-year-old New Yorker, has been charged with reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing after intervening in an attempted robbery. The situation unfolded at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday when Matthew Roesch, 49, allegedly accosted a woman and attempted to take her purse while holding open an emergency gate.
Rote’s involvement took a dramatic turn when he fired two shots in the direction of Roesch. The New York City Transit President, Richard Davey, condemned Rote’s actions, emphasizing that such conduct is not tolerated in the NYC Transit system. Despite the lack of injuries, Davey deemed the incident “outrageous, reckless, and unacceptable,” and expressed gratitude that law enforcement made a swift arrest, aided by recorded footage.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, Roesch had demanded money from the woman, threatening to take her purse if she did not comply. Rote, described as another customer, intervened by telling Roesch to “leave her alone” before firing a shot at Roesch’s feet. Following the incident, Rote claimed to have disposed of the firearm in the East River.
Roesch now faces attempted robbery charges and was released under court-ordered supervision, while Rote was held on $10,000 bail. NYPD Inspector Steven Hill noted that Roesch has been a “constant problem,” pressuring commuters for money.
Witnesses described Rote’s actions as impulsive, with one acquaintance characterizing him as “a decent guy.” The incident raises questions about the balance between intervention and potential legal consequences in situations involving public safety within the New York City subway system.
This event is reminiscent of a previous subway intervention where former Marine Daniel Penny faced charges after restraining a homeless man who later died. Penny is charged with second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide in that case. The recent incidents underscore the complexities and legal implications associated with civilians intervening in public safety matters.
NEW: New York man John Rote has been arrested after he saved a woman from getting robbed by a homeless man in a Manhattan subway station.
The current state of New York City.
On Tuesday evening, Rote noticed that a woman was getting robbed and immediately jumped into action. The… pic.twitter.com/1vbhjowNpl
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 9, 2023
