A modern-day hero is being recognized and rewarded for stopping a man that’s suspected of causing a subway to derail in New York City. Rikien Wilder was at the 14th Street subway station when he saw a man putting debris on the tracks, according to an MTA press release. He realized this could cause an issue, so Wilder jumped down and moved the debris right before the train arrived.
As he went to notify MTA personnel at the station, he saw the same man putting more debris on a track, which the MTA says caused a train to derail later. Wilder then chased the suspect down and held onto him until authorities arrived and arrested the guy. Now the MTA is honoring Wilder with a giant novelty MetroCard and a year of free subway and bus rides.
"New Yorkers are known for putting others ahead of themselves, and that's exactly what Rikien Wilder did," Patrick J. Foye, MTA Chairman and CEO, said. "While we don't want members of the public placing themselves in danger by jumping onto the tracks, this brave Good Samaritan is a hero three times over - for removing debris, alerting personnel, and making sure the alleged perpetrator could not get away before police arrived. He truly exemplifies the best of New York."
Source:People
(photo Getty Images)