Adolescent charged with federal offenses for reportedly setting fire to homeless man on subway

An 18-year-old is now facing federal charges after allegedly igniting a sleeping homeless man on a New York City subway train, officials reported. Hiram Carrero was apprehended Thursday night and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Manhattan on Friday.

The incident occurred early Monday morning around 3 a.m. on a 3 train. The 56-year-old victim was asleep when Carrero reportedly entered the train at 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Authorities say Carrero approached the man, set him on fire, and then left the train.

An off-duty transit worker detected smoke when the train reached Times Square, prompting emergency response. The victim was transported to a hospital with serious burn injuries.

Initially, Carrero faced state-level charges, including attempted murder. Details of the federal charges have not yet been disclosed.

Author: Harper Simmons