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.
Indio, CA – A 26-year-old man, identified as Lorenzo Segoviano, was shot and killed outside the Food 4 Less store in Indio on Saturday evening, according to the Indio Police Department.
Authorities responded to reports of a shooting around 5:40 p.m. at the shopping center.
Upon arrival, first responders located Segoviano suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that an altercation occurred inside the store between Segoviano and the suspect.
The situation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical confrontation outside the store.
During the altercation, the suspect allegedly produced a firearm, prompting Segoviano to attempt to flee.
As Segoviano was running away, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking him.
Segoviano collapsed shortly after and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect fleeing southeast from the location.
Indio police officers quickly responded and detained a 19-year-old male suspect within the shopping center vicinity.
He was subsequently booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on charges of murder.
The suspect is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday and is currently held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on $1 million bail.
The investigation remains active. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through local crime stoppers channels.