NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City high school senior, 18-year-old Hiram Carrero, has been arrested on a federal arson charge after an incident where he allegedly set a fire that severely burned a sleeping subway passenger. According to authorities, the incident occurred on a northbound 3 train at the 34th Street—Penn Station stop early Monday morning. Carrero is not required to enter a plea during his arraignment in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni ordered Carrero detained, noting the severity of the crime and the potential consequences for the victim, who was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Surveillance footage indicated that Carrero ignited a piece of paper and directed the flame toward the 56-year-old victim before fleeing the scene.
This incident highlights a worrying trend of violence on public transportation in the U.S., raising concerns about safety among commuters. Prosecutor Cameron Molis noted the victim's injuries were severe enough that he could have potentially died from the attack.
Carrero, who lives with his disabled mother and assists her with medical appointments, faces a minimum of seven years in prison if found guilty. His lawyer acknowledged the severity of the allegations but described him as a young man with no prior criminal record, emphasizing his role as a caregiver for his mother.
Carrero's case was investigated by the New York Arson and Explosives Task Force, which is a collaborative effort by federal and local authorities focused on tackling such violent incidents. With rising cultural and public safety implications from this case, it reflects a growing urgent need for measures to protect citizens, especially in public transportation, which has recently seen increased violence, including other high-profile incidents across the country.
U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni ordered Carrero detained, noting the severity of the crime and the potential consequences for the victim, who was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Surveillance footage indicated that Carrero ignited a piece of paper and directed the flame toward the 56-year-old victim before fleeing the scene.
This incident highlights a worrying trend of violence on public transportation in the U.S., raising concerns about safety among commuters. Prosecutor Cameron Molis noted the victim's injuries were severe enough that he could have potentially died from the attack.
Carrero, who lives with his disabled mother and assists her with medical appointments, faces a minimum of seven years in prison if found guilty. His lawyer acknowledged the severity of the allegations but described him as a young man with no prior criminal record, emphasizing his role as a caregiver for his mother.
Carrero's case was investigated by the New York Arson and Explosives Task Force, which is a collaborative effort by federal and local authorities focused on tackling such violent incidents. With rising cultural and public safety implications from this case, it reflects a growing urgent need for measures to protect citizens, especially in public transportation, which has recently seen increased violence, including other high-profile incidents across the country.
