Man accused of kicking woman, nine months pregnant, in stomach during subway dispute

On Thursday, a Staten Island man kicked a woman—who is nine months pregnant—in the stomach on a crowded New York City subway, authorities alleged.

Michael Lee, 40, and Natasha Rodney, 28, got into an argument on a northbound subway at 8:30 am after Lee bumped into her. When Rodney pushed Lee to the ground, police said he got up and kicked the pregnant woman twice in the stomach, according to WPIX.

The subway stopped at the Bowling Green station in lower Manhattan. The 28-year-old was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital for treatment after complaining of stomach pains. Lee was taken into custody, according to the New York Post.

Lee was charged with second- and third-degree assault, in addition to reckless endangerment, WABC reported. Rodney and the unborn baby are said to be okay.

Stories of pregnant women being hit in the stomach are anything but rare. In January, a Trenton, New Jersey, man was arrested after he allegedly threw a water bottle at his pregnant girlfriend, hitting her in the stomach. According to the News-Herald, the unidentified 27-year-old and his girlfriend got into a verbal dispute while talking about her doctor’s appointment. The argument turned physical when the man hurled the water bottle at her.

A police report claimed the 28-year-old’s pregnancy was considered high-risk. The man reportedly told police that his girlfriend shoved a table at him and he shoved it back. Though she didn’t wish to press charges, her boyfriend was arrested after police found he had outstanding warrants in three cities.

[Feature Photo: Facebook]