Man Who Stabbed NJ Commuter At NYC Bus Terminal Is Sentenced To Prison

BOONTON, NJ — A man who pleaded guilty to attacking a New Jersey carpenter at a Manhattan bus terminal has been sentenced to 13 years in state prison, officials said.

Court records show that California resident Michael McCloskey, 42, stabbed the Morris County man nine times on the morning of April 22.

The victim, a 66-year-old Boonton resident, said he arrived at the Port Authority bus terminal at 5:40 a.m, and was reading a book as he waited for a co-worker. McCloskey came up randomly and attacked him, officials said — stabbing the other man in the throat, neck, back and arm.

Officers quickly arrested McCloskey after witnessing the stabbing, per the Port Authority.

McCloskey pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder in New York State Supreme Court on Sept. 12. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced his sentencing on Thursday.

The victim received 47 stitches, and stayed in the hospital overnight for treatment and testing —meaning he spent his 66th birthday, which was the day after the attack, in a hospital bed. The man said he commutes daily to New York City, and didn't exchange any words with the perpetrator beforehand.

“Although physically healed, the victim is still reeling from the effects of this attack," said Bragg in a statement. "I thank the Port Authority Police Department for their fast response, which likely saved this commuter’s life.”

After he is released from prison, McCloskey will be subject to five years of post-release supervision.