NEW YORK (AP) Authorities in New York City are actively searching for a suspect involved in a shocking incident where a man was set on fire in Times Square early Sunday morning. The attack occurred shortly before 4 a.m. near the intersection of West 41st Street and 7th Avenue, a well-known area frequented by tourists and locals alike.
The victim, a 45-year-old man, was discovered by police who quickly responded to extinguish the flames engulfing him. After the immediate danger was addressed, he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. Specific details about the extent of his injuries have not been disclosed, but initial reports indicate that he sustained significant burns.
Officials from law enforcement have refrained from providing further comments, citing that the investigation is still ongoing. The motive behind this horrific act has not been made public, and there are no confirmed leads on the suspect’s identity as of yet.
Video footage and images from the scene captured the chilling moments following the incident, depicting the victim walking along the sidewalk without a shirt and receiving assistance from firefighters. Additional footage from the ambulance has shown gruesome burns covering his face, neck, chest, and arms, raising concerns about his long-term recovery and overall prognosis.
This incident in Times Square has drawn parallels to a previous case that shook the city just a few months prior. In December, a tragic event unfolded when 57-year-old Debrina Kawam of New Jersey was set on fire while she was asleep aboard a subway train. The accused, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson related to the December 22 incident, which took place in Brooklyn’s Coney Island area.
Reports indicate that Zapeta ignited Kawam while she was resting, and then exacerbated the situation by using a shirt to fan the flames, demonstrating a level of brutality that has horrified the community. Witnesses described the scene as particularly harrowing, as he allegedly observed her suffering from a nearby subway station bench. This uncovers a disturbing trend of violence in public transportation and urban environments in New York City.
The series of events raises questions about public safety and the frightening potential for violence in densely populated urban centers. As investigators continue to seek information related to the Times Square incident, it is essential for the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. The gravity of this situation serves as a reminder of the serious issues surrounding violence and the need for effective preventive measures in public spaces.
