Arrest Made in Tragic Subway Incident
New York City police have arrested a suspect in connection with the tragic death of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on a subway train. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, December 22, 2024, around 7:30 a.m. ET, on an F train at the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was approached by a man who intentionally ignited her clothing before fleeing the scene.
Authorities reported that officers on routine patrol at the station responded quickly after noticing smoke and flames coming from the subway car. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has classified the incident as a homicide and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding it.
Details of the Suspect and Ongoing Investigation
The suspect is described as a male approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, and believed to be between 25 and 30 years old. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brown boots. Following the incident, police released images of the suspect to the public, and a reward of up to $10,000 has been offered for information leading to his capture.
The suspect was apprehended later on a moving train after officers recognized his clothing and demeanor. Notably, three high school students also played a role in identifying him. New York City Commissioner Justin Brannan expressed his condolences on social media, urging the community to keep the victim in their thoughts.
In response to this incident and ongoing concerns about subway safety, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to enhance security measures, including deploying additional National Guard members and installing security cameras in subway cars. Despite a reported decrease in crime rates, the recent violent incidents have raised alarms among residents, particularly as the city approaches the busy holiday season.
