TWU rallies for assault victim Anthony Nelson

Wright has been charged with second-degree assault, punishable by up to seven years in prison.

“We are here to support Anthony Nelson who can’t be here today because he’s hospitalized,” Stations Vice President Robert Kelley said. “Yesterday, he had his second surgery. We’re also here to support his family, who you see beside us. This is a travesty. This family is devastated by what happened and we want justice. We want the max.”

Kelley and Nelson’s mother, Lisa, expressed shock and anger that Wright, who reportedly has been arrested more than 40 times before, was free to attack again.

“This man Alexander Wright should not be walking the streets,” Lisa Nelson said. “He is a menace to society, and I hope these politicians and these judges give him the max that he deserves and do not let him walk free.”

Wright is being held on $5,000 bail although he could be freed if he posts a portion of that amount.

Nelson was working at the Pelham Bay station on the No. 6 line last Thursday, Aug. 11, when he learned that someone was harassing women outside. He went to get a description of the man to report to the police. He was jumped as he turned to return inside. 

CED Vice President Shirley Martin and MTA Bus/PBL/School Bus Vice President Pete Rosconi joined the TWU contingent. The case has not yet been presented to a grand jury for likely indictment, so the case was adjourned without action until Friday. 

“We will be back,” Kelly said, calling on union members who are off that day to come to the courthouse, located at 265 161st St., room 410, to demonstrate support for CTA Nelson.

The jailed Wright did not appear in the courtroom.