In a tragic incident in New York City, a man allegedly set a woman on fire inside a subway train, causing her to be engulfed in flames, according to a prosecutor on Tuesday.
The accused, Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, appeared in court for the first time and was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court.
The horrifying attack took place on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn on Sunday morning. The victim has not yet been identified by authorities.
Zapeta allegedly approached the woman, who may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. He then fanned the flames with his shirt, causing the woman to be consumed by the fire.
After the attack, Zapeta sat on a bench on the subway platform and watched the horrific scene unfold, as per police reports.
Authorities revealed that Zapeta, who had been deported in 2018, reentered the U.S. illegally at some point. He was apprehended by police on the same subway line where the incident occurred.
The crime has sparked concerns about subway safety in New York City, where the incident occurred. While overall crime in the transit system has decreased this year, the number of murders has increased.
Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted a former Marine in a subway rider’s death, highlighting ongoing debates about safety, homelessness, and mental illness in the transit system.
Policing the vast subway network presents challenges due to the multiple entry points and platforms at each station. The incident has raised questions about ensuring the safety of commuters.
Authorities at the station where the tragic incident occurred responded to the smoke and flames, but unfortunately, it was too late to save the woman.
