NEW YORK (AP) – An 18-year-old high school senior, Hiram Carrero, was arrested and charged with federal arson after allegedly setting a fire that severely burned a sleeping passenger in a New York subway. The incident occurred early Monday morning on a northbound 3 train at the 34th Street-Penn Station stop.
In a Manhattan federal court, U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni expressed her disbelief at the nature of Carrero's actions, saying, 'It’s hard for me to understand why an 18-year-old young man who’s in high school is out at 3 o’clock in the morning setting people on fire.'
The victim, a 56-year-old man, managed to escape the train but was left with serious burns and was hospitalized in critical condition. Surveillance footage indicated that Carrero ignited a piece of paper and dropped it near the victim before fleeing the scene.
After being apprehended in Harlem, Carrero's lawyer argued for his release to home confinement, citing his role as a caregiver for his disabled mother. However, Judge Caproni dismissed this plea, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the potential for the victim's death.
Federal prosecutors highlighted the gravity of the situation, with U.S. Attorney Cameron Molis stating, 'The victim very well could have died in this case.' Carrero faces a minimum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted, with a preliminary hearing set for January 4.
This incident is part of a growing concern regarding violent occurrences on public transit across the U.S., following several similar incidents in recent months.
