MANHATTAN, NY – A 19-year-old Harlem man was sentenced on Tuesday to 66 months in prison for a “heinous” arson attack that left a sleeping, homeless man permanently disfigured on a Midtown subway car.
The Subway Attack
The incident occurred during the early morning hours of December 1. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Hiram Carrero boarded a northbound No. 3 train at the 34th Street – Penn Station station just after 3:00 a.m.
Surveillance footage captured Carrero lighting a piece of paper on fire and using it to ignite the clothes of a 56-year-old homeless man who was sleeping in the car. Carrero then stepped off the train back onto the Penn Station platform, remaining at the station for about 45 minutes before fleeing.
Rescue At Times Square Station
The victim awoke with his legs engulfed in flames as the train moved toward the 42nd Street and Times Square station. Upon arrival, the burning man rushed out onto the platform.
First responders quickly arrived at the Times Square station to extinguish the flames. Officials noted that the victim’s life was saved primarily due to the “mercifully short trip” between Penn Station and Times Square, allowing emergency crews to intervene rapidly.
Severe Injuries and Damage
The victim was rushed to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition. While he survived the attack, officials confirmed he has been left with permanent extensive scarring and disfigurement. The fire also caused structural damage to a portion of the MTA subway car.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Carrero, who was a high school senior at the time of his arrest, was initially charged with attempted murder, assault, arson, and reckless endangerment. In March, he pleaded guilty to a federal arson charge.
On Tuesday, a judge handed down the 5.5-year (66-month) prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. Carrero was also ordered to pay full restitution for the damages.
Federal prosecutors had pushed for an eight-year sentence, arguing that Carrero deliberately attempted to burn a vulnerable citizen alive inside a moving train.
