A “serial spitter” has been causing distress among women using two Brooklyn subway stations for several years, raising concerns among local lawmakers, according to reports.
Numerous commuters have lodged complaints with the NYPD, claiming they were harassed and spat upon at both the 15th Street Prospect Park and the 7th Avenue/9th Avenue subway stations. Conversations on a community Reddit page reveal growing frustration and fear surrounding the mysterious figure known as the “Seventh Avenue Spitman,” who seems to continue his behavior despite the numerous reports.
In early February, a Reddit user shared an alarming encounter, saying, “I just spat on my wife’s head at the 15th St. Prospect Park station.” They continued, explaining how the man was at the 16th Street entrance, positioning himself to spit on women as they entered the station, often accompanied by a dog.
Another Reddit contributor later echoed the sentiment, warning others to “stay safe” while indicating he was back at the same location with his dog.
Melanie L., 29, recounted to the Post how her friend witnessed one of these unsettling incidents first-hand outside the 15th Street station on the F and G lines. “A friend was leaving for work when he [the spitter] was just pacing in front of the station,” she explained. Suddenly, he spat at a woman trying to enter, causing her to react in shock as she hurried away, and, unfortunately, spit ended up on her clothes.
Melanie recounted that when her friend confronted the man, he simply stared back, and she worried she could easily be his next target.
One local resident, frustrated by the situation, described his efforts to address the issue with community members, police, and even Brooklyn City Councilmember Shahana Hanif after his wife had a similar encounter last spring.
The man recalled the day his wife was targeted, describing how they had seen the same individual loitering in the station for years, often with a dog or asking for money.
While he was told by officials that measures couldn’t be taken, he expressed deep concern, noting, “I pushed every button I could. Nobody is going to do anything about this.” He mentioned the repeated instances of harassment and lamented the lack of action in an area reputed for its resources.
The NYPD confirmed several spitting incidents reported in February, including a case where a woman said a man spat on her head during the morning rush hour at the 15th Street station. Another incident involved a 46-year-old woman on February 15, 2026, who reported a near miss when a man attempted to spit at her while she was on her way to the 7th Avenue/9th Avenue station.
Authorities arrested Norbert Williams, 33, multiple times for similar offenses near the Park Slope stations, but they clarified he wasn’t implicated in the latest incidents. His prior arrests include a series against the same victim in 2025, involving stalking and harassment leading to minor injuries.
Employees at the 15th Street station have shared their experiences, noting that the “7th Avenue Spitter” prefers targeting vulnerable individuals. One employee remarked, “He doesn’t bully healthy people,” emphasizing the manipulative nature of these attacks.
A concerned father who walks by the station with his daughter regularly mentioned he often sees the spitter and fears the situation could escalate. “Someone’s going to get hurt,” he stated, noting that he feels uneasy having to navigate past the man with his child.
Council member Hanif stated in late February that her office is collaborating with NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office in light of the troubling reports she has received from residents, predominantly women. She noted that incidents had decreased when the perpetrator was under court-ordered mental health supervision, but concerns grew after that supervision ended in December 2025.
Despite calls for action, law enforcement has struggled to capture the man, as spitting often falls under less severe legal categories, complicating potential charges related to his behavior.
Hanif urged people to keep reporting all incidents, insisting everyone deserves safe and dignified travel. She affirmed her commitment to work with relevant authorities to explore enforcement options.
Both Hanif and Rep. Carroll’s offices declined additional comments. An NYPD spokesperson assured that patrols would continue in the affected subway stations as complaints accumulate. They emphasized that the NYPD treats all harassment reports seriously and encouraged witnesses to report any incidents promptly by calling 911.
