NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City high school senior was jailed Friday on a federal arson charge after authorities say he set a fire that severely burned a sleeping subway passenger. Hiram Carrero, who is 18 years old, did not enter a plea during his arraignment in Manhattan federal court. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence on public transport across the U.S.
U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni ordered Carrero to be detained, highlighting the gravity of the crime after prosecutors sought to overturn an earlier decision that had allowed him to be released on home confinement. Judge Caproni questioned how a teenager could find himself out at 3 a.m. committing such a violent act.
Carrero is accused of igniting a piece of paper and dropping it near a 56-year-old passenger on a northbound 3 train at around 3 a.m. on Monday. Graphic surveillance footage showcased the victim, who managed to escape the train with his body on fire, receiving urgent help from police officers.
According to prosecutors, the victim was in critical condition following the incident. Carrero was arrested in Harlem. His lawyer argues he is a young man with no prior criminal record who cares for his disabled mother. However, if convicted, he could face a minimum of seven years in prison.
Recent incidents show a spike in public transport violence, raising concerns over safety and prompting calls for preventive measures. The case against Carrero, which will next be discussed at a preliminary hearing slated for January 4, is being closely watched as it reflects broader issues affecting urban transit safety.
U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni ordered Carrero to be detained, highlighting the gravity of the crime after prosecutors sought to overturn an earlier decision that had allowed him to be released on home confinement. Judge Caproni questioned how a teenager could find himself out at 3 a.m. committing such a violent act.
Carrero is accused of igniting a piece of paper and dropping it near a 56-year-old passenger on a northbound 3 train at around 3 a.m. on Monday. Graphic surveillance footage showcased the victim, who managed to escape the train with his body on fire, receiving urgent help from police officers.
According to prosecutors, the victim was in critical condition following the incident. Carrero was arrested in Harlem. His lawyer argues he is a young man with no prior criminal record who cares for his disabled mother. However, if convicted, he could face a minimum of seven years in prison.
Recent incidents show a spike in public transport violence, raising concerns over safety and prompting calls for preventive measures. The case against Carrero, which will next be discussed at a preliminary hearing slated for January 4, is being closely watched as it reflects broader issues affecting urban transit safety.
