Man arrested for setting woman on fire on NYC subway

A man suspected of setting a woman on fire while she slept aboard a New York City subway train has been taken into custody, police confirmed Sunday. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn.

According to the New York City Police Department, the suspect used a lighter to ignite the woman’s clothing as she slept. Responding officers found her engulfed in flames inside the train car. Despite extinguishing the fire, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the attack during a press briefing, describing it as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.”

Authorities say the suspect did not flee after the attack. Instead, he was seen sitting on a bench near the train car. A critical tip came from three high school students who had spotted the man on a different train and alerted police. After receiving the 911 call, officers intercepted the train, located the suspect, and arrested him. A lighter was reportedly found in his pocket.

The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, and he remains in custody as the investigation continues.