MTA Police Officer Stabbed by “Emotionally Disturbed” Man in Queens

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MTA police officer John Barnett was stabbed at 9:30 a.m. yesterday morning in Queens, before shooting and killing his assailant, reports Fox NY. 

The incident took place at the Long Island Railroad station on Sutphin Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica. Barnett was stabbed in the left eye, out of nowhere, by 46-year-old “emotionally disturbed” Edgar Owens. Barnett then opened fire on Owens, who reportedly has a history of aggressiveness toward police.

Barnett was rushed to Jamaica Hospital following the incident and is expected to recover from the “devastating wound,” reports Fox. Governor Cuomo applauded Barnett’s bravery in a statement following the attack.

Doctors say it will be days before Barnett will know if he will regain sight in his left eye. Service to the LIRR was not disrupted by the incident.

—Alissa Fleck