Shomrim Chase, Apprehend Robbery and Assault Suspect in Boro Park

By Matis Glenn

Police arrested a man for an alleged assault and robbery on a Boro Park subway platform Tuesday night, after Shomrim members, hearing a witness’ cry for help, chased and apprehended him.

Erik Castellan, 32, of Brooklyn, is seen on video at around 11:45 p.m. allegedly taking a wallet from a man he assaulted on the platform of the subway station located on New Utrecht Avenue between 44th and 43rd street. The video was captured by a witness, who screamed for help as soon as she saw the incident. Castellan fled the scene, and the cries of the witness were heard by Shomrim members who were passing by at the time.

Shomrim members pursued Castellan and apprehended him on 43rd Street and Ft. Hamilton Parkway, where they held him until police arrested him a few minutes later.

The victim was allegedly struck in the head by Castellan with a metal wrench, which was recovered subsequently by authorities. Shomrim members called Hatzalah, who transported the victim to the hospital with head injuries.

Castellan was charged with robbery, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, according to police.

“We want to encourage people that if they see something, they need to say something,” Boro Park Shomrim coordinator Motty Brauner told Hamodia. “Scream for help if you need to…it’s unfortunate that people often just keep walking after witnessing a crime, as if nothing happened. It’s wrong; we can combat crime and keep our streets safer if we work together.“