NEW YORK – Police have arrested a teenager accused of setting a subway passenger on fire during a morning commute in Manhattan.
Hiram Carrero, 18, was taken into custody Thursday by a joint task force and charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack on a 56-year-old homeless man aboard a 3 train at the 34th Street–Penn Station stop around 3 a.m. Monday. Carrero was silent as he was led from the police station in handcuffs and placed into a waiting NYPD vehicle.
Authorities say the assault occurred as the train approached the busy station. Carrero allegedly entered the train briefly and set the victim on fire. Surveillance footage captured officers tending to the man, who suffered significant burns on both legs.
After the incident, Carrero reportedly boarded a northbound 3 train. Police released images of the suspect Tuesday night, leading to his arrest Thursday. In addition to attempted murder, he faces charges of assault, criminal mischief, arson, and reckless endangerment.
The victim was hospitalized with serious burns but is expected to survive. Officials have not indicated whether he had any prior connection to the suspect.
The attack has drawn comparisons to a December 2024 incident in which a 57-year-old homeless woman was killed after being set on fire while sleeping on a Brooklyn-bound F train.
Authorities have not yet announced when Carrero will appear in court. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.