Teen arrested after igniting fire on homeless man in NYC subway.

A suspect has been apprehended in connection with a disturbing incident aboard a No. 3 subway train in Manhattan, where a homeless man was allegedly set on fire. The arrest was made on Thursday, following the identification of the suspect, 18-year-old Hiram Carrero, by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Carrero faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, arson, assault, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment related to the early morning attack on Monday.

According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. when the victim, a 56-year-old man, was asleep on the northbound train. As the train approached the 34th Street-Penn Station stop, Carrero reportedly boarded the train, attacked the victim, and ignited a fire before fleeing the scene. The situation escalated when, moments later at Times Square, an off-duty train conductor noticed smoke emanating from the victim and promptly alerted authorities.

Responding officers arrived at Times Square and extinguished the flames with water. The victim was subsequently transported to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he is being treated for significant burns on his legs. The attack has raised concerns regarding safety and violence in the subway system, prompting renewed discussions about public safety measures.

Carrero’s arrest was facilitated by the NYPD’s warrants division, following the release of surveillance footage to the public two days before his apprehension. This footage contributed to the swift identification and capture of the suspect.

Carrero, a resident of Harlem, was taken into custody after the police tracked him down, although details about the location of his arrest have not been disclosed. As of Thursday, he is pending arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of safety in urban environments and raises questions regarding the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless, in public spaces. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to address the broader implications of such violent acts within the transit system. Media News Source will continue to monitor the situation for further developments.