New York Teen Charged with Federal Arson for Subway Fire Attack

A New York City high school senior faces a federal arson charge for allegedly starting a fire that severely injured a sleeping subway passenger. Authorities arrested the 18-year-old student days after the incident. Prosecutors state the teenager intentionally set the fire inside a Manhattan subway car last week. The flames critically burned a passenger who was asleep at the time. The charge of arson is a federal offense because it involves attacking a vehicle used in interstate commerce. This classification can lead to more severe penalties. The suspect remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. The condition of the injured passenger has not been publicly released.