NEW YORK CITY—On August 3, a 34-year-old man, Vedal Folks, was wounded after his face was slashed by Ricky Diaz, 21, at the Jay St – MetroTech Station in Downtown Brooklyn. Folks suffered a laceration below his right eye but no other serious injuries. The assailant was arrested, authorities stated.

From New York Daily News reported, the assault started with a fight when Folks was drunk and punched Diaz in the back of his head on the subway platform. According to the report, at this time, Diaz began to wield his knife.

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information released the following statement: 

“The assault occurred on August 3, at 3:20 p.m. in the vicinity of Willoughby Street and Jay Street within the confines of the 84th precinct.”

Detective specialist Annette Shelton revealed in an interview that Folks was transported to Methodist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. “Diaz from Brooklyn was arrested at the corner of Fulton Street and Bridge Street, a knife was recovered, and he was charged for assault, second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon,” the DCPI announced.

On social media, some people responded to Diaz’s action seems more likely as self-defense to the fight from Folks was drunk and claimed that police should release Diaz.