BROOKLYN—A Flatbush man who violently attacked a woman while making anti-gay remarks on a Q train was indicted Monday on hate crimes charges, prosecutors said.
Antoine Thomas, 27, could face up to 15 years in prison after punching the victim in the face and knocking her unconscious on the Brooklyn-bound train on the night of May 21, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.
Thomas is accused of boarding the train around 7:30 p.m. that night and sitting next to the victim and her girlfriend before shouting the homophobic comments. He attacked the victim as the train approached the DeKalb Ave station, prosecutors said.
The woman was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she was treated for a concussion, a nasal fracture and received stitches for her injuries.
Thomas attempted to leave the train after the attack, but was arrested when the conductor called police.
He is charged with second and third degree assault as a hate crime, assault with intent to cause physical injury and menacing, prosecutors said.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 8.
Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the attack in a statement Monday.
“This defendant’s alleged actions were an attack on everyone’s right to be who they are, and to love whom they choose,” said Gonzalez. "He will now be held accountable for this alleged attack that left a woman unconscious.”
