Man Convicted For Hammer Attack At Queens Station, DA Says

NEW YORK CITY — A 60-year-old man has convicted in connection to a hammer attack of a woman at a Queens subway station back in 2022.

William Blount has been convicted of robbery in the first degree, assault in the first degree and other crimes, prosecutors announced on Thursday.

Blount is accused of brutally attacking a straphanger as she entered the Queens Plaza subway station in Long Island City in 2022.

The 60-year-old approached the victim from behind, kicked her down the stairs, and hit her in the head with a hammer 13 times before fleeing with the victim’s tote bag, prosecutors said.

The victim was transported to a hospital, where she was treated for multiple skull fractures and underwent a bilateral craniectomy to repair her skull with titanium mesh. She also sustained a broken finger and other injuries.

The defendant was acquitted of attempted murder charges.

"This defendant repeatedly bashed an innocent straphanger in the head with a hammer. The victim – who was simply trying to use the subway as millions of New Yorkers do every day – suffered multiple skull fractures, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. "Thanks to the extraordinary intervention by emergency medical personnel, who reduced swelling of the woman’s brain, she was able to recuperate and reclaim some quality of life."

Blount faces up to 25 years to life in prison, prosecutors said. His sentencing date is set for May 7.