Homeless Man Who Pushed Student In Front Of Metro-North Train Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A homeless man who pushed a Hunter College student in front of an oncoming Metro-North train has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Howard Mickens, 41, received the maximum sentence, Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore said Tuesday. Mickens pleaded guilty to attempted murder last month.

Hunter College student Maya Leggat was shoved from behind as the Metro-North train entered the White Plains station in September 2013. She suffered a broken back, a severed finger, other broken bones and cuts.

Witnesses followed the fleeing suspect and flagged down police.

"Without any warning or prior interaction, this defendant pushed a young woman on her way to school in front of a moving commuter train," DiFiore said in a statement. "While this young woman's quick and clear headed thinking saved her life, this defendant will now be held to account for his actions and serve the maximum sentence allowed by law."

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