Arrest Made in Random Queens Subway Stabbing That Left Man on Ventilator

A Queens man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in connection with a random stabbing on a New York City subway platform that left a 25-year-old man fighting for his life on a ventilator, police said. Luis Pallchisaca, 21, of Queens, was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder and assault in the Sunday attack on the 7 train platform at 111th Street, according to the NYPD. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not identified a motive.

Roberto Gaspar, a Guatemalan immigrant and restaurant worker from Queens, was on the platform looking at his phone when he was attacked from behind with an unknown sharp object, police sources said. The assault occurred as Gaspar stood near the 7 train at 111th Street. He sustained stab wounds to the neck and back and was transported to New York-Presbyterian/Queens Hospital in critical condition, where he remains in the intensive care unit and is on a ventilator, friends say. Gaspar’s friends described him as a hard-working employee who was en route home after a long shift.

Investigation teams have said Pallchisaca is unknown to Gaspar and that the stabbing appears to have been unprovoked. Police have not released a possible motive and said they are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses as they continue the probe.

Tomas Calel, a friend of Gaspar, told The Post that Gaspar had just finished a grueling 10-hour shift at a Manhattan restaurant when the attack occurred. He said Gaspar is unable to speak due to his injuries and asked why someone would do such a thing.

Authorities announced the arrest on Wednesday afternoon. Pallchisaca faces counts of attempted murder and assault, and prosecutors may pursue additional charges as the investigation progresses. The NYPD did not provide further details about a possible motive or the exact circumstances surrounding the stabbing as detectives continue to review evidence and interview witnesses.

This incident adds to ongoing concerns about safety around New York City's subway system, though officials have said there is no indication at this time that the attack is part of a broader pattern. Transit officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity, while investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events.