Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Jul 2: Zine Raksasutee, a 26-year-old Thai model studying in New York, was violently attacked and robbed at a Brooklyn subway station by a repeat offender out on bail, sparking renewed outrage over public safety and bail reform lapses in the city.

The incident occurred on June 22 at the Chauncey Street station in Bushwick, where 54-year-old Lewis Doctor allegedly grabbed Raksasutee by the throat, slammed her against a wall, and repeatedly punched her while wearing a ring, causing severe facial injuries. He then fled with her iPhone, AirPods, debit card, handbag, and hard drive, all valued at around $1,400.

Raksasutee, in the U.S. to study English and build her modelling career, was left traumatized and injured, sustaining a split lip and deep cuts.

Doctor, a repeat offender, had earlier been released on $5,000 bail in January 2024 after allegedly committing another robbery with a BB gun. Despite prosecutors requesting higher bail at the time, the court had denied it. Following his latest arrest, he has now been indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree assault and robbery, with bail set at $50,000. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

“I am grateful to be alive. I hope speaking out will help keep others safe,” Raksasutee said in a statement through her attorney. Her lawyer, Eric Parnes, slammed the justice system, asking, “How many more must suffer before we take real action?”