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Man accused of setting fires across NYC, including one near sleeping subway rider, police say
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Feb 11, 2025
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Courtesy NYPD
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Feb 11, 2025
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Authorities said the NYPD arrested a man accused of setting fires at two subway stations and torching a police car last month.
Queens resident Skky Ifudu, 33, was charged with third-degree arson, a felony, on Monday, police said. Police said Ifudu’s alleged spree began around 2 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, when he set fire to an NYPD emergency vehicle and another car. Less than an hour later, he allegedly ignited a paper cup and tossed it into a trash can at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station, officials said.
At 3:40 a.m. that same morning, Ifudu allegedly set fire to a pile of garbage next to a sleeping passenger on a northbound J train at the Woodhaven Boulevard station, officials said.
No injuries were reported.
The NYPD said the suspect fled the scene of the last incident. Ifudu was arrested and charged shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, authorities said.
Attorney information for Ifudu was not immediately available.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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