In a series of alarming incidents that have heightened concerns over public safety in New York City, Skky Ifudu, a 33-year-old resident of Flushing, Queens, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of arson on February 10, 2025. Authorities allege that Ifudu is responsible for setting several fires across Manhattan and Queens, including the torching of a parked NYPD vehicle and igniting debris near a sleeping passenger on a subway train.
The alleged arson spree began in the early hours of January 10, 2025. At approximately 2:20 a.m., a marked NYPD vehicle parked in front of City Hall at 254 Broadway was set ablaze. Minutes later, another vehicle parked nearby on Murray Street was also found burning. Shortly before 3 a.m., a small fire was reported at the Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall subway station, where a paper cup had been ignited and thrown into a trash can.
The most disturbing incident occurred around 3:40 a.m. on a northbound J train at the Woodhaven Boulevard station in Queens. Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows a man, alleged to be Ifudu, placing debris next to a sleeping passenger and setting it on fire before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of these incidents.
Following an investigation, Ifudu was apprehended and charged with multiple counts of arson. Notably, this arrest comes after Ifudu had been previously detained in connection with a separate arson attempt on January 23, 2025, where he allegedly tried to ignite a subway passenger’s backpack and subsequently threatened the individual with a knife. He pleaded not guilty to attempted arson and related charges in that case and was released on bail prior to the latest allegations.
These incidents have intensified discussions about safety within New York City’s transit system. In response to a series of high-profile crimes, including a tragic event in December 2024 where a woman was fatally burned on an F train in Coney Island, city officials and law enforcement agencies have been prioritizing measures to enhance subway safety. Initiatives such as increased police patrols and investments in mental health resources have been implemented to address these concerns.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has also been collaborating with the NYPD to bolster security across the transit network. Riders are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities. The MTA’s commitment to passenger safety remains steadfast, with ongoing efforts to ensure that the city’s transit system is secure for all commuters.
Ifudu’s arrest underscores the critical importance of public awareness and cooperation in maintaining safety within the city’s transit system. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to these incidents or other suspicious activities to come forward. The NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program offers a platform for anonymous tips, emphasizing the role of community involvement in crime prevention.
As the legal proceedings against Ifudu progress, the city remains focused on implementing strategies to prevent such incidents in the future. The collaboration between law enforcement, transit authorities, and the public is essential in fostering a safe and secure environment for all New Yorkers.
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