Denise Alston (57) was arrested and accused of using the credit card of the scientist Nina Rothschild, hours after was robbed and brutally attacked with a hammer while entering the New York Subway at Queens Plaza on Thursday.
The criminal complaint says that Alston allegedly made a purchase of $19 dollars with a blue credit card bearing Rothschild’s name. The NYPD recovered a Chase Freedom Visa card, two other department store cards, and a New York City ID, all in Rothschild’s name, in the suspect’s wallet.
Alston faces petty theft charges , identity theft, and criminal possession of stolen property and a controlled substance. If convicted, she could spend up to four years in prison, according to ABC News. Earlier on Sunday, the NYPD had arrested William Blount (57) and charged him with attempted murder, robbery and assault. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
Rothschild, of 57 years old, was hit in the head Thursday night allegedly by Blount, who was wielding a hammer. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition at New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell, and police believe she was beaten until times. She suffered a skull fracture and lacerations to her head.
The victim, who lives near the scene, was entering the Queens Plaza Station (Long Island City), when the suspect approached her from behind. He kicked her and hit her on the head several times with a hammer before snatching her bag from her. The assault was recorded by security cameras: caution is advised when viewing the dramatic images.
The victim is a senior scientist at the New York City Department of Health (DOH), located at the around the corner from the Metro station where she was attacked. She was on her way home from work at the time of the assault, according to the report. DOH Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi visited her in the hospital on Friday.
The president and CEO of the MTA, Janno Lieber, issued a statement on Sunday: “This was a vicious attack on a female passenger trying to get home after a long day at work to keep New Yorkers healthy and insurance. We are grateful for the quick work of the NYPD detectives and hope that prosecutors will now bring justice to the victim and her family.”