A teenager has been charged with federal arson following a shocking incident on a New York City subway. The case revolves around an event that took place on December 1, where the suspect allegedly set a 56-year-old man on fire while he was riding the No. 3 train.
Incident Details and Charges
The accused, 18-year-old Hiram Carrero, was arrested by the NYPD and appeared in federal court in Lower Manhattan. Federal prosecutors stated that Carrero faces a minimum sentence of seven years due to the severity of the crime.
In court, District Judge Valerie Caproni decided to deny bail for Carrero, citing the heinous nature of his actions. This decision reversed an earlier ruling by Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger, who had suggested Carrero could be released.
Timeline of Events
- Date: December 1
- Time: Approximately 3 a.m.
- Location: No. 3 train at 34th Street-Penn Station, Midtown Manhattan
According to police reports, the victim was asleep when Carrero approached and ignited his legs. Surveillance images reveal the victim alone in the subway car at the time of the attack. Carrero allegedly fled the scene just as the subway doors were closing.
Victim’s Condition and Response
The victim exited the train at Times Square while still on fire. Surveillance footage captured the horrifying moment as he sat on the platform, the flames rising from his legs. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the flames and transported the victim to a hospital in critical condition.
Investigators noted that the burns were so severe that charred skin was discovered on the seat where the victim had been seated. Following his arrest, Carrero is also facing state charges, including attempted murder.
As the case unfolds, the community remains shocked by the incident, and law enforcement continues to investigate the events leading up to the crime.
