July 17, 1964 - Two white men, both in their 50’s, were attacked and robbed on New York City subways today by roving bands of Negro teenagers in separate incidents with a half an hour.
The first victim was Julian Zalewski, a 57-year-old actor. He boarded a southbound IND local at Broadway and 168th Street after being treated at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center for glaucoma.
About 15 youths, including several girls, got on the train at the same station, Zalewski told police. A girl of about 15 carrying a black tote bag sat down across the aisle from him. Every now and then after that, boys would come into the car and drop watches and money into the bag.
Zalewski said he counted at least a dozen watches and saw at least one $20 bill.
Just before they reached 125th St., one of the boys sat down beside him and the girl sat on the boy’s lap. The boy asked Zalewski what time it was.
Zalewski, forewarned by the sight of the watches, prudently replied that he didn’t have the time — although he did have a watch.
At 125th St., the gang left the train and then entered the next car. As the train left the station, 10 of them swarmed into his car and surrounded Zalewski. Before he could move, they picked him up, threw him to the floor, knocked off his glasses, and roughed him up while one of them went through his pockets and took his money — $26. He was taken to Harlem Hospital, treated for hand and leg injuries, and released.
About 15 minutes later, William Greene, a pharmacist, was attacked by six Negro teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16, according to the police.
Greene was a passenger on a southbound IRT train. The attack occurred between the 181st and 168th Street stations while 19 of the youths’ friends watched and 15 adults stood by fearfully.
Before the attack, the 25 youths had been engaging in harmless horseplay on the train, Greene said.
Six of them detached themselves from the crowd and surrounded him. One knocked off his glasses while another grabbed his arms and a third punched him in the face while their friends shouted encouragement.
He was knocked to the floor and kicked. One attacker snatched his watch, and another grabbed his wallet, containing $100.
When the train reached 168th Street, he stumbled from the car and called for help. A Transit patrolman rushed to his assistance, but the gang had fled.
Greene was treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for cuts and bruises and then released.
Earlier this month, the Transit Authority reported that serious crimes on the subways had increased by 29.6% in the year ended June 30.
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