Time bomb: how dangerous criminals are released over and over again in New York

The man, accused of assaulting an elderly man and two police officers on Monday and then released without bail, was arrested again on Friday. This time, he tried to push a Brooklyn subway passenger onto the tracks, reports New York Post.

On Friday morning, police sources said the 24-year-old victim was walking northbound on train platform N at Sunset Park 59th Street Station when 23-year-old Ricky Vidal pushed him from behind into the tracks.

Vaidal was arrested Monday on charges of assaulting a 73-year-old man with his own cane while he was waiting for a bus in South Ozone Park, according to the criminal case. When the police arrived, he punched one in the face, giving him a black eye. And then he headbutted another, according to the complaint, which said that both police officers went to the hospital.

Vaidal was charged with numerous charges. Including in an attack on a person over 65 years old, for causing bodily harm and illegal possession of a weapon. However, he was released without bail at 10 p.m. Tuesday by Judge Anthony Battisti, an appointee of former Mayor Bill de Blasio. The Queens District Attorney's Office said it had requested a $5000 bail.

“This guy is literally a ticking time bomb. His behavior continues to get out of control. He is clearly an abnormal, mentally ill person. Releasing it back onto the streets endangers New Yorkers and even police officers, a law enforcement source said. “It looks like these judges just don’t care.” A spokesman for the judiciary did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As Vaidal continued to attack someone else on Friday, another subway passenger came to the victim's aid. Good Samaritan José said he heard a noise on the platform and rushed to help. He said he was on the subway on April 12th. His train stopped at the 36th Street station just after Frank James was accused of shooting passengers on a crowded N train across the platform.

“I was determined that if something like this happened in front of me, I would not stand by and sit back,” José said.

Army combat veteran José warned Vaidal to stop pushing the passenger. And when he didn't, he put him in a choke hold. The assailant briefly lost consciousness and he loosened his grip, but held Vaidal until the police arrived. “He was aggressive with them. Almost pushed one of them onto the railroad tracks,” he said.

On the subject: Two corpses found in New York subway tunnel: this is the second case in 10 days

Vaidal was in a hospital on Saturday, according to court officials. According to sources, he has a history of aggressive behavior. He was aggressive towards policemen who tried to get him off a subway train in the Bronx on April 5th.

The police had previously received six calls about Vaidal's emotional distress.