Over the course of an hour in the early morning hours of January 10th, a masked arsonist embarked on a reckless spree of fire-starting across Manhattan and Queens, leaving a trail of damaged property and a sleeping subway passenger narrowly escaping harm. The series of incidents, currently under investigation by the NYPD’s Arson and Explosion Unit, began with the arsonist setting fire to a parked NYPD police car near City Hall at approximately 2:20 a.m. Surveillance footage captures the individual, clad in a black puffer jacket, hood, and face mask, calmly igniting the vehicle before moving on to their next target.
Just fifteen minutes later, the arsonist struck again, targeting another unoccupied vehicle near 14 Murray Street. The flames caused damage to both vehicles, raising concerns about the escalating nature of the individual’s actions. The arsonist’s third act involved setting a paper cup ablaze and discarding it into a garbage can near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall train station, further demonstrating their disregard for public safety.
The spree culminated in a disturbing incident on a northbound J train at the Woodhaven Avenue station around 3:40 a.m. Subway surveillance footage captures the arsonist igniting a pile of garbage in close proximity to a sleeping passenger. The flames rose dangerously close to the unsuspecting individual, highlighting the potential for serious harm. Chillingly, the footage shows the arsonist casually walking away from the scene, leaving the passenger to the potential consequences of their actions.
This string of arsons raises serious concerns about public safety in the aftermath of another recent incident involving a fire on a subway train. Weeks prior, a Guatemalan migrant was arrested for allegedly setting a homeless woman on fire aboard a Brooklyn F train, resulting in her death. These incidents underscore the vulnerability of individuals in public spaces and the potential for devastating consequences when such acts of violence occur. The NYPD’s Arson and Explosion Unit is actively investigating the January 10th incidents, seeking to identify and apprehend the individual responsible.
The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the suspect in an effort to solicit information from the public. The individual is described as wearing a black puffer jacket, black hood, and a black face mask, effectively concealing their identity. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incidents or the suspect to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or via social media.
The NYPD’s investigation continues as authorities work diligently to apprehend the individual responsible for this series of arsons. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and public cooperation in maintaining safety and security within the city. The availability of multiple avenues for providing information to law enforcement underscores the crucial role the public plays in assisting investigations and bringing perpetrators to justice. The hope is that with community support, the arsonist will be swiftly identified and apprehended, preventing further acts of reckless endangerment.
