Homeless man charged in Penn Station robbery case after off-duty NYPD couple shoot suspect

A homeless man has been charged in connection with an attempted robbery on a Penn Station Long Island Rail Road platform after an off-duty NYPD officer shot him while defending herself and her husband during the incident, authorities said Thursday. Jahmar Stewart, 32, was charged with attempted robbery and assault, and was being treated at Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.

The confrontation unfolded around 7 p.m. Wednesday on LIRR Track 18 at Penn Station, as the couple, both off-duty NYPD officers, encountered Stewart as he attempted to rob them on the platform during the evening rush. The wife opened fire, striking Stewart near Track 18, and he was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he remained in stable condition.

By Thursday morning, investigators confirmed the charges against Stewart. Prosecutors allege attempted robbery and assault. Stewart's last known address is listed as a Brooklyn homeless shelter, and authorities said he has prior arrests, including an Aug. 8 incident at the facility for allegedly attacking another resident and a July 16 petit larceny for stealing fruit juice from a bodega on East New York Avenue.

In a separate development later that night, the 43-year-old victim who was with the officers during the incident was involved in a confrontation with Stewart around 11:15 p.m., during which Stewart allegedly slugged him multiple times. The man was treated at Kings County Hospital Center for scratches to the face and shoulder, according to police.

There was a heavy police presence in the aftermath of the shooting, and investigators continued to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses. No additional charges related to the off-duty officers were announced at the time of the update, and the investigation remained active.