The NYPD announced on Monday that the use of surveillance cameras in a subway car played a crucial role in the arrest of three individuals connected to the tragic shooting of a 45-year-old man in the Bronx last week.

The suspects, Justin Herde, 24, Alfredo Trinidad, 42, and Betty Cotto, 38, are currently in police custody in relation to the murder of William Alvarez, 45, a Bronx resident. Authorities reported that the victim was on a southbound D train at approximately 5 a.m. on Friday when the perpetrators boarded at Fordham Road station and engaged in a dispute with him. Mr. Alvarez sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and tragically lost his life as a result, according to Michael M. Kemper, the NYPD’s chief of transit, who disclosed the details during a press conference on Monday. The individuals responsible for the attack exited the train at 182nd-183rd Streets station.

The MTA has been gradually installing cameras in subway cars, with around 1,000 out of an estimated 6,500 cars currently equipped with this technology. The initiative began in 2022 and is set to be completed by the end of this year.

While subway-related homicides are uncommon, they generate significant public interest. In addition to this recent incident, two other fatal incidents have occurred in the subway system this year. Just earlier this month, a shooting at Mount Eden Avenue station in the Bronx resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man and injuries to five others. In January, a father of three was shot on a No. 3 train in Brooklyn while attempting to intervene in an argument.

Efforts to boost ridership and maintain a sense of safety within the transit system have intensified, as daily ridership continues to lag significantly behind pre-pandemic levels. Responding to rising concerns, Mayor Eric Adams recently deployed an additional 1,000 uniformed officers in the subway to bolster security measures.

Chief Kemper emphasized that while such violent incidents are isolated, overall subway crime has witnessed a notable uptick in recent months, with theft comprising a significant portion of the reported offenses. The heightened police presence and anti-crime initiatives launched by city and state leaders aim to reassure passengers and address safety concerns.

A detailed analysis conducted by The New York Times utilizing MTA and police data revealed that despite the spike in certain crimes since 2019, the likelihood of experiencing violent crime in the subway remains minimal. The introduction of surveillance cameras has not only aided in arresting suspects in recent incidents but has also acted as a deterrent against further criminal activity.

While crime rates initially surged this year, there has been a decrease in subway-related offenses in February compared to the same period last year. The implementation of additional security measures, including the installation of cameras, has had a positive impact on crime prevention efforts within the transit system.