NYC Subway Arson Suspect Caught on Video

A man is sought by the NYPD after setting several small fires in Lower Manhattan and Queens, one of which was on a subway train and caught on video.

<figure> <img src="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/nypd-wants-your-help-finding-nyc-subway-arson-suspect/" alt="NYPD wants your help finding NYC subway arson suspect"> <figcaption>Video footage of the incident on the J train.</figcaption> </figure>

The incident occurred on January 10th at the Woodhaven Avenue station. Video shows the suspect igniting a fire next to a sleeping passenger on a northbound J train. This incident bears an unsettling resemblance to the December death of Debrina Kawam, who was set on fire while sleeping on a Coney Island-bound train.

The suspect's alleged actions began around 2:20 a.m. when he reportedly set fire to an NYPD emergency vehicle on Murray Street. He then allegedly damaged an unoccupied vehicle before setting a paper cup on fire near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station. The J train incident occurred at 3:40 a.m.

Subway Security Concerns Intensify

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns within the NYC subway system. Recent events, including a New Year's Eve pushing incident in Chelsea, add to the growing public concern.

The MTA's recent launch of congestion pricing aims to increase ridership and improve services. In response to the escalating concerns, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $77 million allocation to place a police officer on every subway platform during overnight hours. She stated, "We cannot allow our subway to be a rolling homeless shelter."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. Tips can also be submitted via their website or @NYPDTips on Twitter.