NY student arrested for setting sleeping subway passenger on fire PHOTO

Student Hayram Carrero was arrested in New York on charges of setting a sleeping subway passenger on fire, reports The Mirror.

The incident occurred last night in Manhattan. According to investigators, Carrero ignited a piece of paper and placed it near a 56-year-old man who was asleep. Upon waking, the man caught fire but managed to reach the platform of the next station, where police officers extinguished the flames.

The victim sustained severe burns and was hospitalised in critical condition, though his condition later stabilised.

Carrero, who cares for his disabled mother and has no prior criminal record, reportedly puzzled the judge, as it is unclear what could have motivated the student to set someone on fire at 3 a.m.

He has been taken into custody and faces up to 25 years in prison. A court hearing is scheduled for January 4.

By Khagan Isayev