Teen Sentenced for Subway Arson Attack on Homeless Man

A 19-year-old was sentenced to over five years behind bars for setting a homeless man on fire while he slept on a subway train in Midtown. Hiram Calero received a 66-month prison term for what was described as a “vicious” act that inflicted permanent injuries on the 56-year-old victim during the early hours of December 1st.

Calero was captured on surveillance footage boarding the No. 3 train at 34th Street-Penn Station shortly after 3 a.m. and lighting a piece of paper on fire, as noted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

After igniting the fire, Calero jumped off the train, leaving the victim engulfed in flames, and lingered at the station for around 45 minutes before he fled. As the train approached the 42nd Street and Times Square station, a man was seen emerging from the car, his legs on fire.

The unnamed victim was later spotted lying on the platform near the tracks, flames consuming his knees. Distressing footage released by federal prosecutors illustrated the scene as first responders worked to extinguish the fire, which also caused damage to several subway cars.

The victim was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition, suffering from severe burns, extensive scarring, and disfigurement. Authorities remarked that his life was saved due to a “fortunately short trip” from Penn Station to Times Square.

Prosecutors sought an eight-year sentence, arguing Calero’s actions amounted to attempted murder, as he allegedly tried to kill a homeless man by trapping him in a burning subway car.

At the time of the incident, Calero was a high school senior. He faced multiple charges including attempted murder, assault, and arson. In March, he pleaded guilty to arson, conceding that he intentionally set the paper aflame.

Alongside his prison sentence, Calero was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the seriousness of the crime, describing it as “breathtakingly horrific.” He acknowledged the quick response of first responders and the NYPD, stating that subway safety remains a top priority for law enforcement.

Calero’s attorney requested leniency, citing a difficult childhood marked by being born premature and abandoned by his parents. She mentioned that he struggled significantly during the pandemic and expressed feelings of shame and remorse following the attack.