Local 100 Keeps the Spotlight on Assault Case

It’s time for Alexander Wright, a career menace to society, to face the music. That’s the public message Stations Vice President Robert Kelley delivered Thursday, July 13, 2023, outside the Bronx courthouse, where Wright appeared on charges of assaulting subway Cleaner Anthony Nelson.

Prosecutors on Thursday informed the judge on the case that doctors recently deemed Wright, who had been remanded to a mental hospital, mentally fit to proceed to trial. Wright’s defense attorney then successfully requested time to review the medical reports. The case was adjourned to July 27.

Flanked by more than a dozen of union members and officers, Kelley blasted the maneuver to the gathered media.

“We want justice. We want it now,” Kelley said. “The doctors found him fit to stand trial. This is just another plot by his attorney to delay things. Now it’s time for action.” Nelson had to endure two surgeries for a broken collarbone and other injuries suffered in the unprovoked attack at the Pelham Bay subway station in August 2022. Wright reportedly had about 40 prior arrests before attacking CTA Nelson.

Local 100 will work to keep public attention on the court case and push authorities to impose a maximum sentence, Kelley said. Nelson thanked the Local 100 for standing with him.

“I just want to reiterate that the support the union continues to give me my family is unmatched,” Nelson said.  “As long they with us, I know we will continue to get through this.”