New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presented Anthony Gallo, of Astoria, Queens, with the Department's "Civilian Heroism Award," for his tremendous courage in restraining a dangerous
criminal until police arrived on Tuesday, July 15, in the Atlantic Avenue subway station in Brooklyn. Commissioner Kelly presented the award to Mr. Gallo during a press conference today at One Police Plaza.

On the night of the incident, David Smith, 23, slashed a woman in the face with a knife on the northbound Q train. Gallo, 39, witnessed the crime, and when the train stopped at the Atlantic Avenue station, he followed Smith off the train and tackled him on the platform. Smith managed to cut Gallo several times on the arms, but Gallo held him down until police officers arrived. The victim, Erica Paul, 46, was treated for her injuries and later released from the Brooklyn Hospital Center.

On behalf of the New York City Police Department, I want to thank Anthony Gallo for his courage, bravery, and willingness to come to the help of a fellow New Yorker," Commissioner Kelly said. "We want to honor Mr. Gallo with both a 'Civilian Heroism Award,' and a check for $500 provided by the Centurion Foundation. Mr. Gallo is a true New York City hero."

Smith, a homeless man who was wanted for a similar subway slashing on the No. 2 train on July 14, was arrested and charged with assault.