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NYPD looking for man accused of setting homeless subway rider on fire at Penn Station
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Dec 3, 2025
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Erik McGregor / LightRocket via Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Dec 3, 2025
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Police are looking for a man they say set a homeless subway rider on fire early Monday at one of New York City’s busiest transit hubs, leaving him with serious burns.
NYPD officials said the 56-year-old victim was sleeping on a northbound 3 train around 3 a.m. when the doors opened at the 34th Street–Penn Station stop in Midtown. The alleged assailant entered the train car, lit the victim’s pants on fire and walked back onto the platform, according to police.
The man then fled the scene on a northbound 3 train, but police said they’re still investigating if it was the same one the 56-year-old was riding.
First responders took the victim to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was treated for significant leg burns.
Officials said the man they’re searching for was last seen wearing a gray jacket, black hat, black pants, black boots and black backpack.
The incident comes almost a year after police said 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, a homeless woman, was fatally set on fire aboard an F train in Brooklyn. The case led to murder and arson charges against 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, who pleaded not guilty in January.
The NYPD is asking anyone with information about Monday’s incident to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips on the Crime Stoppers website.
This story is based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
Tagged
manhattan
midtown
new york city
penn station
public safety
transportation
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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