NYPD searching for suspect after man set on fire near Times Square
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- NYPD is searching for a suspect who set a man on fire in Midtown early Sunday morning.
Police received a 911 call at 3:55 a.m. for a person on fire at 41st Street and 7th Avenue, about a block off Times Square.
Officers assigned to the 111th precinct, likely assigned to NYC Half marathon duty about a block away, observed the man on fire. They grabbed a fire extinguisher from their police cruiser and put the man out.
Investigators are able to tell from the body worn camera footage that the suspect and victim know each other. Suspect has not been caught.
The 45-year-old victim told them that suspect approached him and threw a liquid on him and proceeded to ignite a fire.
Victim suffered burns to his face and arms. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition and is expected to survive.
The victim, whose last known address is in Queen,s appears to be transient and has three unsealed arrests, police said.
"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," city resident Steven Ortiz said. "I don't understand, just very inhumane. Especially in the middle of Times Square, it's crazy, it doesn't make any sense."
Resident Crusbeni Cruz told Eyewitness News she works in the nearby area where the incident took place and is shocked by the attack.
"I wasn't expecting it, like I haven't been out here long. I've been working early mornings and yeah this is so random," Cruz said.
Authorities canvassed the scene for any evidence and surveillance video that may help them track down the suspect.
Police said the suspect was wearing blue clothing but no other details were immediately known.
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