NEW YORK (AP) — An 18-year-old high school senior, Hiram Carrero, has been charged with federal arson after authorities say he set a fire that seriously injured a sleeping passenger on a New York City subway. Carrero's arraignment took place in Manhattan federal court, where he was not required to enter a plea. The incident is part of a troubling trend of violence on public transportation across the U.S.
Prosecutors cited the severity of the crime as justification for Carrero's detention, with U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni expressing her disbelief at an 18-year-old committing such a violent act at 3 a.m. The fire occurred on a northbound 3 train early Monday, when Carrero allegedly dropped a burning piece of paper near the 56-year-old victim, who later fled to the platform at 42nd Street—Times Square engulfed in flames. The victim is reported to be in critical condition.
Prosecutor Cameron Molis remarked, 'The victim very well could have died in this case.' Carrero was arrested in Harlem, where he lives with his disabled mother, whom he cares for. Investigators identified Carrero through a combination of surveillance footage and police body camera images from a previous incident. He is expected to face a preliminary hearing in January but could see the case escalate to a grand jury indictment beforehand. Carrero's defense attorney emphasized his youth and lack of a criminal record, while the court's decision to detain him highlights the serious nature of the allegations.
Prosecutors cited the severity of the crime as justification for Carrero's detention, with U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni expressing her disbelief at an 18-year-old committing such a violent act at 3 a.m. The fire occurred on a northbound 3 train early Monday, when Carrero allegedly dropped a burning piece of paper near the 56-year-old victim, who later fled to the platform at 42nd Street—Times Square engulfed in flames. The victim is reported to be in critical condition.
Prosecutor Cameron Molis remarked, 'The victim very well could have died in this case.' Carrero was arrested in Harlem, where he lives with his disabled mother, whom he cares for. Investigators identified Carrero through a combination of surveillance footage and police body camera images from a previous incident. He is expected to face a preliminary hearing in January but could see the case escalate to a grand jury indictment beforehand. Carrero's defense attorney emphasized his youth and lack of a criminal record, while the court's decision to detain him highlights the serious nature of the allegations.
