CSI STAR FIGHTS REAL LIFE CRIME

CSI STAR FIGHTS REAL LIFE CRIME

Former CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION star GERALD MCCULLOUCH found himself at the centre of a real life crime recently when he was attacked on the New York subway.
The actor was using his laptop on a train when a man attempted to grab the computer and run for the door.
MCCullouch, a keen boxer, punched his assailant in the chest before the man allegedly turned on him, wielding a knife.
And the star admits he had a lucky escape when a team of police eventually came to his rescue.
He tells the New York Daily News, "It was about 2am. I noticed someone cross in front of me. Just as the doors opened, he reached for the laptop. I guess he thought he'd grab it and dash out the door, but I gave him a body shot to the chest.
"That's when he pulled a kitchen knife out of a black plastic bag. The other passengers started running out the door. That's when the knife came down into my back. I don't know whether he lost his grip or what, but the blade didn't penetrate my leather jacket.
"I think I punched him again as the doors closed and the train started leaving the station. I thought, 'Great, now I'm alone in this car with him.'
"The train was halfway out of the station when it stopped. Then about 10 cops jumped on the train and got the guy handcuffed on the floor. I told them the guy had a knife. They found it hidden under a seat or something."
And MCCullouch is full of praise for the officers who helped him.
He adds, "The police couldn't have been greater. I signed a lot of autographs. I don't know whether it was because of CSI, but they gave me a lift to my place in Manhattan."
Police arrested James Torres, 39, in connection with the incident. He was charged with robbery, assault, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon and is due in court on 23 March (09).