A high school senior from New York, Hiram Carrero, has been charged with federal arson. He allegedly set fire to a passenger who was sleeping on a subway train early Monday morning. The incident unfolded on a northbound 3 train near 34th Street–Penn Station.
Carrero is accused of lighting a piece of paper and dropping it close to a 56-year-old man. The victim then stumbled off the train at 42nd Street–Times Square, where he was seen on surveillance footage with flames on his body. Police quickly extinguished the fire, but the man was hospitalized in critical condition.
After the incident, Carrero briefly boarded the train before fleeing to Harlem. He was arrested on Thursday. His attorneys noted he lives with his disabled mother, who he helps care for.
This incident highlights a worrying trend in public transport safety. Over the past few years, there have been numerous violent attacks in U.S. cities, including New York and Chicago. Many victims in these incidents have suffered serious injuries.
US District Judge Valerie E. Caproni ordered Carrero to be detained, calling the act “heinous.” The decision came after prosecutors appealed for stricter measures, as a previous ruling had considered home confinement under his mother’s care.
During his arraignment in Manhattan federal court, Carrero did not enter a plea. His mother was present but chose not to speak with the media. His lawyer acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but pointed out that he is a young person without prior criminal history.
US Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the importance of safety in the subway system, noting that millions rely on it daily. New York Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch added that such violence has no place in the city.
If found guilty, Carrero could face at least seven years in prison. A preliminary hearing is set for January 4, and the case is being handled federally as it was part of a federal investigation.
This event raises broader questions about public safety and the need for effective measures to protect commuters. It reflects ongoing concerns about rising violence in public spaces, a trend seen in various cities across the nation.
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