NYPD offers reward for man who threw fireworks on homeless man, setting him on fire VIDEO

A shocking video went viral on social media of a man who threw fireworks on a sleeping homeless man, setting the man on fire.

Now NYPD announced the details, offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

The video shows a man throwing the lit firework onto the victim, 66, a homeless man asleep at around 4 a.m. Monday at Lenox Avenue near 113th Street.

After a few seconds it ignites and the man is ablaze. He suffered on minor burns, police reported.

“Earlier yesterday morning, a homeless male was sleeping on the sidewalk in front of 67 Lenox Avenue, in the confines of the 28 pct, when he was attacked. The male pictured above threw a lit firework on him, which exploded causing burns to the victims back,” Tweeted Chief Rodney Harrison.

Authorities say the homeless man was treated and released from the hospital.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.

On Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a multi-agency task force to conduct sting operations targeting those selling illegal fireworks. The task force will consist of 10 NYPD officers, 12 FDNY Fire Marshals and 20 members of the Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

“Illegal fireworks are both dangerous and a public nuisance” said de Blasio. “We’re cracking down on this activity at the source to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers and the ability of our neighbors to get some sleep.”

 

 

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