May 15, 2025
Queens, NY - A 36-year-old Greek-American man from Astoria has been arrested in connection with the assault of an MTA employee at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street subway station. Nektarios Tsikitas voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Tuesday at the 107th Police Precinct in Fresh Meadows, Queens.

Tsikitas' decision to turn himself in came after the New York Police Department (NYPD) released a security camera image of the suspect over the weekend. According to police sources, Tsikitas told detectives, "I saw this image of me being circulated for an alleged assault against an MTA worker, and I am here to turn myself in."

The alleged incident occurred on the night of Thursday, May 1st, at the bustling Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station. Police report that Tsikitas approached a departing E-line train and allegedly struck the 29-year-old train operator in the face through the open cab window.

The MTA employee reported dizziness and swelling around his right eye, and his glasses were knocked onto the subway tracks. Following the alleged assault, Tsikitas reportedly fled the station, and his direction of travel remained unknown until his recent surrender. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene to provide aid to the injured train operator.

Tsikitas was subsequently arrested and faces multiple charges, including second-degree assault, third-degree assault, and second-degree harassment. During his arraignment at Queens Criminal Court on May 7th, he was released under supervised conditional release, and a full order of protection was issued for the victim. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 15th. If convicted of the most serious charge, second-degree assault, Tsikitas could face a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Authorities have not yet released any information regarding the potential motive behind the alleged assault.