79-Year-Old Kicks Girl in Head on Crowded St. Pat's Train

Authorities say the Upper East Side man assaulted the 15-year-old victim as the train pulled into Park Ridge station.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 79-year-old Upper East Side man has been charged with assault after allegedly kicking a 15-year-old girl in the head while on a crowded NJ Transit train headed to the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Pearl River. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about passenger safety and security on public transit, especially during major events that draw large crowds. It also raises questions about the mental health and motivations of the alleged perpetrator, a senior citizen.

The details

According to authorities, Neil Greenberg of Manhattan deliberately kicked the teenage girl in the head as the train pulled into the Park Ridge station around 2 p.m. on the busy St. Patrick's Day parade day. Greenberg was taken into custody and charged with assault by NJ Transit police.

  • The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on March 23, 2026 as the train pulled into Park Ridge station.
  • The annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Pearl River was taking place on the same day.

The players

Neil Greenberg

A 79-year-old resident of the Lenox Hill neighborhood on Manhattan's Upper East Side who was charged with assault for kicking a teenage girl on an NJ Transit train.

The 15-year-old girl

The victim who was kicked in the head by Greenberg and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

NJ Transit

The public transportation agency that operates the train line where the incident occurred and charged Greenberg with assault.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety of all passengers, especially vulnerable riders like children, on our public transit systems, especially during major events that draw large crowds.”

— Spokesperson, NJ Transit

What’s next

Greenberg is expected to appear before a judge on Tuesday to determine if he will be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident underscores the need for heightened security and passenger monitoring on crowded public transportation, as well as greater attention to the mental health and potential for violence among some elderly riders.