Tiffany Williams –
New York, NY — Andre Cheeves, 35, of Brooklyn, was indicted in New York State Supreme Court for allegedly attempting to attack a 51-year-old man with a metal bike chain while making anti-Hispanic remarks at the Fulton Street subway station in June 2025.
Cheeves faces multiple charges including Attempted Assault in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime, Menacing in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, and Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree.
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, on June 27, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the victim was waiting for a northbound 4 and 5 train at the Fulton Street station. Without provocation, Cheeves approached the victim holding a metal bike chain and demanded the return of his phone. The victim, who did not know Cheeves and was not in possession of the phone, began to back away.
Cheeves allegedly grew more agitated and began swinging the chain at the victim. In an attempt to protect himself, the victim used his backpack as a shield. Cheeves continued to swing the chain while reportedly shouting racist slurs, including repeated use of the phrase “f— Hispanics.”
The suspect then chased the victim out of the subway station while brandishing the chain. The victim alerted nearby police officers, who arrested Cheeves and recovered the weapon.
Cheeves has been formally charged with one count each of Attempted Assault and Menacing as hate crimes, along with weapon possession and aggravated harassment.
The case is ongoing.