A 45-year-old man was set on fire in New York City during the early hours of Sunday morning, authorities reported.
According to an NYPD spokesperson, the attack took place just before 4 a.m. in the Midtown South Precinct, an area that includes Times Square, as reported by NBC 4 New York and other media outlets.
Police stated that the suspect “lit the victim on fire before fleeing to parts unknown.” The victim was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Investigators say the victim may know the suspect, as the two reportedly had a verbal exchange before the attacker doused him with liquid and ignited the flames.
Suspect Still on the Run
As of Monday morning, the suspect remains at large, and authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.
Similar Attack Occurred Months Ago
This violent incident comes just months after the shocking December 2024 case of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, who was burned to death while riding the F train at a Brooklyn station.
The gruesome subway attack sparked concerns about public safety in New York City’s transit system. Authorities arrested Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, in connection with the crime. He was accused of setting Kawam on fire using a lighter and fanning the flames with a shirt.
Zapeta-Calil was charged with murder and arson and pleaded not guilty in early January.