Tisch reported that the individual of interest was seen aboard an F train as it arrived at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn around 7:30 a.m. According to Tisch, the suspect approached a woman who was sleeping and proceeded to set her ablaze using what was believed to be a lighter. She noted that the victim’s attire quickly became engulfed in flames within a matter of moments. Law enforcement stated that there was no evident interaction between the victim and the perpetrator prior to the horrifying incident.
Tisch mentioned that nearby officers observed and detected smoke, prompting them to promptly investigate. Alongside assistance from an MTA worker, they utilized a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames. Medical emergency services arrived shortly thereafter and unfortunately declared the woman deceased while on the train.
Unbeknownst to the responding officers, the person of interest remained at the location and was seen sitting on a bench on the platform just outside the train car. He was subsequently detained without any resistance on a different train halted at Herald Square, as reported by Tisch. The individual was identified as wearing identical attire and was found in possession of a lighter in his pocket, as confirmed by the police.
NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta commended the collaborative efforts of the public and law enforcement, stating, “This is amazing work done by the public and the police working together. Once again, someone saw something, we got it out through technology in numerous ways, and we were able to make a quick arrest on this nothing less than heinous crime that occurred in our subway system.”
Should anyone possess any relevant information, they are urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or in Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted through their website or via direct message on Twitter at @NYPDTips. All communications will be treated with confidentiality.
In other news, Senator Joe Manchin expressed his belief that the Senate is resolute in retaining the filibuster process and preventing its dissolution.
Additionally, a report revealed how Israel’s Mossad agency successfully deceived Hezbollah into acquiring explosive pagers, as disclosed on the program “60 Minutes.”
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