Man Set on Fire in Times Square: Police Search for Suspect
The incident occurred around 3:55 a.m. at the intersection of West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue.
According to the victim, an unidentified male approached him, doused him with a liquid, and ignited it. Responding officers from the NYPD's Midtown South Precinct were nearby and quickly used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he is in stable condition.
The suspect is described as wearing blue clothing.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and seeking public assistance to identify and locate the perpetrator.
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Man set on fire in Times Square |
This attack has raised concerns about safety in New York City, especially following a similar incident in December 2024, when 57-year-old Debrina Kawam was fatally set on fire aboard a subway train. Migrant Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was arrested and charged with using a lighter to set her ablaze.
As for Sunday’s incident, no arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation.
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Man set on fire in heinous Times Square arson attack expect to survive |
Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
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