New York, NY – Police have arrested 25-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan national, in connection with a horrific subway attack where a woman was set on fire as she slept aboard a Coney Island-bound F train.
The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, has left New Yorkers shocked and grieving just days before Christmas. Authorities reported that Zapeta was apprehended at the 34th Street station in Manhattan after a vigilant civilian recognized him and alerted officers. While Zapeta has not yet been formally charged, he has been identified as the primary suspect in this brutal attack.
The tragedy unfolded around 7:30 a.m. on December 22. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was sleeping on the subway when she was allegedly set ablaze. Witnesses report that Zapeta stood by as the flames engulfed her. In a troubling detail, video footage from the scene reportedly shows police briefly speaking with a man matching Zapeta’s description before allowing him to leave.
The NYPD is now piecing together the timeline of events and working to determine Zapeta’s motivations. This heinous act has raised urgent concerns about safety on New York City’s public transit system, already under scrutiny for rising crime.
An NYPD spokesperson praised the actions of the citizen who helped identify Zapeta, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance in aiding law enforcement. Officials are urging anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation continues.
This tragic event has deeply unsettled New Yorkers, highlighting the ongoing challenges of ensuring passenger safety in the city’s transit system. Formal charges against Zapeta are expected as authorities work to bring justice to the victim and her loved ones.