Maniac ex-con who torched NYC straphanger gives stone-faced grimace as judge sets bail at $250K
NY Post
The crazed firebug who allegedly torched a straphanger on a subway train over the weekend gave a vacant grimace in Manhattan court Monday as a judge set his bail at $250,000 — and prosecutors revealed he’s an ex-con with a lengthy rap sheet.
Nile Taylor, 49 — who’s accused of tossing a flaming can of alcohol at Petrit Alijaj, 23, Saturday — has previously done prison time for gun and forgery busts, prosecutors said in Manhattan Criminal Court.
Evidence in the case of his latest fiery attack is overwhelming, assistant District Attorney Aryan Ahmadian said.
“This is a strong case,” Ahmadian told Judge Cori Weston. “The defendant was arrested shortly after the incident on Saturday afternoon, and he was in possession of multiple lighters, a bottle containing rubbing alcohol.”
During the wild assault, Taylor allegedly set the floor of a No. 1 train ablaze when he tossed the flaming liquid at Alijaj — leaving him with severe burns on his face and chest, authorities said.
Wearing a gray sweatshirt and sneakers, Taylor didn’t say a word as Weston set his bail.
