A 45-year-old man has suffered severe burns to his face and arms after being deliberately set on fire in a horrifying early-morning attack in Times Square, Manhattan.
The NYPD Crime Scene Unit is investigating the gruesome incident, which occurred at 3:55am on Sunday, near Broadway and West 41st Street, just steps from one of the world’s busiest pedestrian hubs.
According to police, the victim told officers that a man approached him, threw an unknown liquid, and then set him alight. The suspect fled the scene and is still on the run.
Harrowing Scene in Midtown
Photographs from the scene show a red fire extinguisher, a jacket, and other debris scattered across the sidewalk, as investigators combed the area for evidence. The victim, shirtless and visibly in shock, was wrapped in a blanket and escorted by firefighters before being placed in an ambulance.
He is currently being treated at New York Presbyterian Cornell Hospital, where his condition is understood to be stable.
Public Reaction and Appeal for Information
Nearby resident Steve Ortiz told reporters:
“I don’t understand, just very inhumane. Especially in the middle of Times Square—it’s crazy, it doesn’t make any sense.”
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police have not yet confirmed whether it was targeted or random. The suspect is only described as a man last seen wearing blue clothing.
The incident occurred just hours before participants in the NYC Half Marathon passed nearby, raising further concerns about public safety in the heart of the city.
Echoes of Previous Arson Attack
The attack comes less than three months after 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, a homeless woman, was burned to death in a separate arson incident on a New York subway train. That case, which also shocked the city, remains a chilling reminder of the growing concerns over violent crime involving fire.
Ongoing Investigation
NYPD is continuing its investigation and urges anyone with information to come forward. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras is being reviewed to help identify and track the suspect.
If you witnessed the incident or have any relevant information, please contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
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