Footage from a frightening incident on Sunday shows a woman being set on fire aboard a subway car in New York City while police officers seem to stand idly by.

The suspect, who is believed to be a 33-year-old Guatemalan national residing in the U.S. illegally, was spotted sitting on a bench nearby as the woman burned. The suspect, identified as Sebastian Zapeta, was even seen fanning his jacket at her on the Brooklyn subway station.

The NYPD apprehended Zapeta, who is reported to be living in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, at a different subway station in midtown Manhattan.

Social media outrage ensued over the disturbing video and images of the woman in flames, leading to criticism of the NYPD’s response. Police justified their officers’ actions, explaining that they became aware of the situation after smelling smoke while patrolling the Stillwell Avenue station.

According to police, one officer seen near the burning woman was attempting to manage the scene while other officers sought out fire extinguishers and called for Metropolitan Transit Authority personnel. The flames were eventually extinguished, but sadly the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“I think he did his job perfectly; his colleagues went to fetch MTA workers, retrieved fire extinguishers, and ultimately were able to put out the fire,” stated NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta during a press briefing on Sunday.

Despite the backlash, footage from police body cameras and surveillance video played a crucial role in locating Zapeta, who, according to a spokesperson from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, is in the U.S. illegally after a previous deportation.

Three high school students helped identify the suspect and notified the police, leading to his capture, said NYPD Chief Jessica Tisch.

Zapeta faces charges of murder and arson, as court records indicate. The identity of the victim had not been disclosed as of Tuesday evening.

Suspect appears in court

In Brooklyn court on Tuesday, Zapeta was arraigned before Judge Jung Park, who ruled that he would remain in custody.

His next court date is scheduled for Friday, at which time he is likely to enter a plea. The three felony charges against him could result in life imprisonment.

Contributing: Reuters