Masked Arsonist Sets Fire Next to Sleeping Subway Passenger in Manhattan and Queens
An unidentified serial arsonist, wearing a mask, callously ignited multiple fires during a bizarre spree across Manhattan and Queens last week, with one alarming incident taking place next to a dozing subway passenger, according to police reports.
The first fire was set on a parked NYPD police car near City Hall at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Jan. 10, in front of 254 Broadway, as confirmed by authorities.
About 15 minutes later, the arsonist, captured in surveillance footage sporting a black puffer jacket, black hood, and face mask, set another empty vehicle ablaze near 14 Murray St., as reported by the NYPD.
Both vehicles sustained damage from the fires, police confirmed.
In a third incident, the arsonist ignited a paper cup and threw it into a garbage can near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall train station.
The arsonist then targeted a sleeping straphanger on a northbound J train inside the Woodhaven Avenue station around 3:40 a.m., setting a pile of garbage on fire next to the unsuspecting individual, according to police and subway surveillance footage.
Disturbing video footage released by the NYPD shows the arsonist standing over the sleeping subway passenger as flames engulf the area.
The arsonist then calmly exited the train, as shown in the video.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the series of fires, with the NYPD’s Arson and Explosion Unit taking the lead.
These incidents occurred not long after the tragic case of Guatemalan migrant Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, who allegedly set fire to homeless woman Debrina Kawam, 57, while she slept on a Brooklyn F train, resulting in her death.
Individuals with any information related to these incidents are urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website or via @NYPDTips.
