Crime
25-year-old Sebastian Zapeta arrested after setting sleeping NYC subway rider on fire
New York, NY – Law enforcement officials have announced the arrest of 25-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan national, in connection with a horrific incident where a sleeping woman was set on fire aboard a subway train.
The shocking act, which occurred on Sunday morning aboard a Coney Island-bound F train, left the woman dead in what police are describing as an appalling crime just days before Christmas.
Authorities revealed that Zapeta was apprehended following a tip from a vigilant civilian who recognized him on a train at the 34th Street station in Manhattan.
The witness flagged down officers, who quickly responded and detained Zapeta. Although Zapeta has not yet been formally charged, investigators have identified him as the primary suspect in the brutal attack.
The incident unfolded at approximately 7:30 a.m. on December 22, when the victim, a woman whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was allegedly set ablaze as she slept on the subway.
Disturbingly, sources indicate that Zapeta stood by and watched as the flames engulfed her. Despite attempts by authorities to manage the immediate aftermath, a video from the scene revealed police briefly speaking with a man matching Zapeta’s description before instructing him to leave the area.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy, while also determining Zapeta’s motivations.
This heinous act has sent shockwaves throughout the city, prompting heightened concerns about safety and security on public transit.
In a statement, an NYPD spokesperson acknowledged the swift action of the citizen who identified Zapeta, emphasizing the critical role that public vigilance can play in assisting law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Further updates, including formal charges against Zapeta, are expected as the case progresses.
This tragic event highlights the growing need for addressing violent crimes on New York City’s transit system and ensuring the safety of all passengers.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.