The lives of Jason Volz, 54, and Carlton McPherson, 24, collided tragically on a Harlem subway platform when Mr. McPherson pushed Mr. Volz in entrance of an oncoming prepare. Previous to the incident, their lives had been heading in reverse instructions. Mr. Volz, who had overcome habit and homelessness to stay in a brand new residence, was killed within the assault. Mr. McPherson, who had a historical past of psychological well being points and brushes with the regulation, was later recognized because the assailant.
Mayor Eric Adams, who has been working to deal with crime and homelessness within the subway system, expressed frustration on the incapability to forestall such violent incidents. Regardless of efforts to maintain these battling extreme psychological sickness out of the transit system, assaults just like the one which took Mr. Volz’s life proceed to happen. Each Mayor Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have carried out varied initiatives to deal with these points, together with involuntarily eradicating mentally ailing people from the subway for psychiatric remedy. Nevertheless, the issue persists.
Information reveals a blended image concerning subway security in recent times. Whereas charges of some crimes have elevated, main crime decreased earlier than rising once more in 2023. Efforts to deal with the problem of mentally ailing people in disaster on the subway have led to the hospitalization of some people for psychiatric or medical causes. Nevertheless, challenges stay in convincing some mentally ailing people to just accept remedy and care.
Psychology consultants imagine that coercive approaches involving police involvement aren’t the answer to untreated psychological sickness. Philip Yanos, a psychology professor, questioned the effectiveness of such strategies. The tragic end result of the collision between Mr. Volz and Mr. McPherson highlights the complexities of addressing psychological well being points and crime within the subway system. Mr. Volz’s ex-wife expressed disappointment on the lack of somebody who had overcome vital challenges, whereas Mr. McPherson’s mom lamented her efforts to offer him with a greater life.
Mr. McPherson’s struggles with psychological sickness and brushes with the regulation date again to his adolescence. His conduct had deteriorated dramatically in recent times after the demise of his grandfather, who had been an authority determine in his life. Witnesses described Mr. McPherson as performing erratically and inflicting injury in his grandmother’s residence constructing. The tragic chain of occasions resulting in Mr. Volz’s demise underscores the necessity for continued efforts to deal with psychological well being points and homelessness within the subway system.
Regardless of the continuing challenges, metropolis and state officers have carried out varied measures to deal with violence and homelessness within the subway. Efforts to maneuver homeless people into shelters, hospitals, or housing have been made, however the persistence of issues within the subway system signifies a necessity for additional intervention. The tragic incident involving Mr. Volz and Mr. McPherson serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities concerned in addressing psychological well being, crime, and homelessness in city environments. As authorities proceed to grapple with these challenges, the necessity for complete and compassionate options stays evident.