A fatal stabbing aboard a New York City subway train has sparked a police investigation after a 59-year-old Queens man was fatally attacked on September 30, 2026.
According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the victim, identified as Mesias Lojano, was stabbed multiple times while aboard a J train near the Woodhaven Boulevard station.
Police later arrested a 25-year-old Bronx man, Jyrell Thomas, who authorities say fled the area after the stabbing and was eventually found on the roof of a nearby garage.
NYC Subway Stabbing: What Happened?
The incident happened at approximately 5:20 p.m. on September 30, 2026, according to police.
Authorities said 59-year-old Mesias Lojano, a Queens resident, suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and neckwhile aboard a J train near the Woodhaven Boulevard station.
Emergency medical personnel transported Lojano to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Despite receiving medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The case is being investigated as a homicide.
Suspect Identified as 25-Year-Old Bronx Man
Police identified the suspect as 25-year-old Jyrell Thomas, a resident of the Bronx.
According to investigators, Thomas left the subway station after the stabbing. Passengers and witnesses reportedly pursued him as he fled from the scene.
Police officers eventually located Thomas on the roof of a nearby garage, where he was taken into custody.
Authorities also said a knife was recovered following the arrest.
Police Say the Attack Was Unprovoked
Investigators initially received reports that an argument may have occurred before the stabbing.
However, subsequent information from police indicated that Lojano and Thomas did not know each other and had no prior interaction.
Authorities described the stabbing as unprovoked.
The exact circumstances surrounding what led to the attack remain part of the ongoing investigation.
What Charges Does the Suspect Face?
According to police, Jyrell Thomas faces charges including:
- Murder
- Criminal possession of a weapon
The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
A criminal charge is not the same as a conviction, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Suspect Was Previously Arrested in September
Police also said Thomas had been arrested earlier in September 2026 in the Bronx in an unrelated case.
That case reportedly involved approximately $23 worth of merchandise allegedly taken from a Target store.
According to authorities, Thomas was charged in that incident with:
- Petit larceny
- Obstruction of governmental administration
- Criminal possession of stolen property
The earlier arrest is now receiving attention because it occurred only weeks before the fatal subway stabbing.
Where Did the NYC Subway Stabbing Happen?
The stabbing occurred aboard a J train near the Woodhaven Boulevard station in Queens, New York.
The incident happened during the late afternoon, at around 5:20 p.m., when the subway system was carrying passengers.
Police responded to the incident and began searching for the suspect after he reportedly left the station.
Victim Identified as Mesias Lojano
The victim was identified by police as Mesias Lojano, 59, of Queens.
Authorities said he sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest and neck.
He was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The death has turned the subway stabbing into a homicide investigation, with detectives working to establish the complete sequence of events.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing the Scene
One of the notable details in the case is how police located the suspect.
After allegedly leaving the subway station, Thomas was reportedly pursued by passengers and witnesses.
Officers later found him on the roof of a nearby garage and arrested him.
A knife was also recovered, according to police.
The circumstances of the pursuit and the evidence recovered at the scene are expected to form part of the investigation and court proceedings.
Investigation Continues
The NYPD investigation remains ongoing.
Detectives are expected to review available evidence, witness accounts and other information to determine exactly what happened before, during and after the stabbing.
Because details can change as investigators gather additional evidence, authorities may release further information about the case, including court developments and additional charges.
NYC Subway Safety Concerns
Violent incidents on public transportation can raise concerns among commuters, particularly when an attack occurs during normal travel hours.
The NYC subway system serves millions of passengers, and incidents involving serious violence often receive significant public attention.
In this case, authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Mesias Lojano and the arrest of Jyrell Thomas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the NYC subway stabbing?
The victim was identified as 59-year-old Mesias Lojano, a Queens resident.
When did the subway stabbing happen?
According to police, the stabbing occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. on September 30, 2026.
Where did the stabbing happen?
The incident happened aboard a J train near the Woodhaven Boulevard station in Queens, New York.
Who was arrested?
Police identified 25-year-old Bronx resident Jyrell Thomas as the suspect and said he was arrested after being found on the roof of a nearby garage.
What charges does Jyrell Thomas face?
According to police, Thomas faces charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Was a weapon recovered?
Yes. Authorities said a knife was recovered following the arrest.
Did the victim and suspect know each other?
Police said the two men did not know each other and had no prior interaction. Authorities described the stabbing as unprovoked.
Was the suspect previously arrested?
Police said Thomas had been arrested earlier in September in the Bronx in an unrelated case involving approximately $23 worth of merchandise allegedly taken from a Target store.
Final Update
The fatal NYC subway stabbing involving 59-year-old Mesias Lojano remains under investigation. Police say the Queens man suffered multiple stab wounds aboard a J train and later died at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
Authorities identified 25-year-old Jyrell Thomas as the suspect and arrested him after locating him on the roof of a nearby garage. A knife was reportedly recovered.
Thomas faces murder and weapon-possession charges. As the investigation and court proceedings continue, additional details may emerge.