Teen Charged in Federal Arson Case on New York City Subway

Teen Charged After Subway Attack in Midtown Manhattan

An 18-year-old man, identified as Hiram Carrero, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Friday after his arrest on Thursday night in connection with a fire that seriously injured a homeless man on a New York City subway train.

Officials have charged Carrero with a federal arson offense. Authorities also stated that he was initially arrested on state charges that include attempted murder. A federal complaint and surveillance images document the events leading to the charge and the condition of the victim following the incident.

Incident on Northbound Number 3 Train

According to police and the federal complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, on a northbound number 3 train in New York City. The 56-year-old homeless victim was asleep alone in a subway car when the train was at the 34th Street–Penn Station stop in Midtown Manhattan.

Authorities said Carrero entered the subway car at 34th Street–Penn Station and approached the sleeping man. Investigators reported that the suspect then set the victim’s legs on fire. Surveillance images cited in the complaint show the victim alone in the car prior to the attack.

Victim Injured and Fire Extinguished at Times Square

The complaint states that Carrero fled the train as the doors were closing immediately after the victim’s legs were set on fire. The train proceeded to the next stop, Times Square, where the victim exited the subway car while still engulfed in flames.

Surveillance footage described in the complaint shows the victim on the Times Square platform with flames rising from his upper legs. Law enforcement officers responded at the station, extinguished the blaze, and transported the man to a hospital. Officials reported that he was in critical condition following the incident.

Court Appearance and Custody Decision

On Friday, Carrero made his initial appearance in Manhattan federal court on the arson charge. A federal magistrate judge initially ordered his release. Prosecutors then appealed that decision to a district court judge.

Following the appeal, the district court judge ordered Carrero held in custody. The case involves federal arson charges related to the subway fire and earlier state charges, including attempted murder, arising from the same incident in New York City.