By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-16 14:21:25 | Updated at 2025-03-17 04:34:06
14 hours ago
Police in New York City are on the hunt for an arsonist after a man was brutally set on fire in Times Square early Sunday morning.
The victim, a 45-year-old man was left with horrific burns all over his face and arms from the heinous attack.
The NYPD received a 911 call around 3.55am for a person set on fire at 41 Street and 7th Avenue.
Terrifying images and video showed the unnamed burn victim being taken into an ambulance with severe burns all over his body.
The shirtless man was wrapped in a blue blanket as dozens of first responders rushed to help him.
Police said they believe the man was set on fire, but the name of the perpetrator was not immediately released. It is unclear if it was a targeted or random attack.
The suspect is said to have a medium complexion and was last seen wearing blue clothing, according to authorities.
A 45-year-old man was left with severe burns on his face and arms after a suspect set him on fire early Sunday morning in Times Square
Police said they believe the man was set on fire, but the name of the perpetrator was not immediately released. It is unclear if it was a targeted or random attack. (Pictured: NYPD Crime Scene Unit officers are seen investigating the area Sunday morning)
The shirtless man was wrapped in a blue blanket as dozens of first responders rushed to help him
The victim was transported to New York Presbyterian Cornell. He is in stable condition, police said.
The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.
A red fire extinguisher, jacker and other pieces of evidence were left at the crime scene.
Steven Ortiz, a nearby resident, told Eyewitness News he can't wrap his head around the 'very inhumane' incident.
'Just listening to all these things, especially with what happens on the train, in the subway, I don't know what's going on with people who just want to light people on fire,' Ortiz said.
A red fire extinguisher, jacker and other pieces of evidence were left at the crime scene (pictured)
'I don't understand, just very inhumane. Especially in the middle of Times Square, it's crazy, it doesn't make any sense.'
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
