Man With 131 Prior Offenses Charged for Allegedly Setting Homeless Man on Fire in New York

Damon Johnson, a 47-year-old Brooklyn resident, has been arrested for the attack outside Penn Station.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A 47-year-old man with an extensive criminal history, Damon Johnson, has been charged with attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment after allegedly setting a homeless man on fire outside of Penn Station in New York City. The victim, a 37-year-old homeless man, suffered second and third-degree burns and is in the hospital. Johnson has over 130 prior offenses and was on parole for a previous robbery conviction at the time of the alleged attack.

Why it matters

This incident highlights concerns about repeat offenders being released back into communities and the challenges of balancing criminal justice reform with public safety. The attack on a vulnerable homeless individual also raises questions about the support and resources available for the unhoused population in New York City.

The details

According to police, Johnson and a 33-year-old woman named Lyla Najjar approached the sleeping homeless man just before 9 p.m. on Monday. Johnson was then caught on camera crouching over the victim before walking away, at which point the victim's jacket was found to be on fire. The victim suffered severe burns and was taken to the hospital. Johnson has been charged with attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment, and pleaded not guilty.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, March 7, 2026 around 9 p.m. outside of Penn Station in New York City.
  • Johnson was arrested on Tuesday, March 8, 2026 in connection with the attack.

The players

Damon Johnson

A 47-year-old Brooklyn resident who has been charged with attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment for allegedly setting a homeless man on fire. Johnson has an extensive criminal history with over 130 prior offenses and was on parole for a previous robbery conviction at the time of the alleged attack.

Lyla Najjar

A 33-year-old Queens resident who was also arrested in connection with the attack on the homeless man outside of Penn Station.

The Victim

A 37-year-old homeless man who was sleeping or lying in an old taxiway when he was allegedly set on fire by Johnson and Najjar. The victim suffered second and third-degree burns and is currently hospitalized.

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What they’re saying

“You look up above the escalator, there's a gentleman on fire, flames completely engulfed, he's running back and forth trying to get it out, people are trying to pat him down.”

— Sam Stallone, Witness (ABC 7)

What’s next

Johnson has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a judge will determine whether he will be allowed out on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This horrific attack on a vulnerable homeless individual by a repeat offender with over 130 prior convictions raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in protecting public safety, particularly for marginalized populations. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to criminal justice reform that balances rehabilitation with accountability and ensures adequate support and resources for the unhoused.