The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Main Street Deli & Grocery at 390 Main St. in Beacon.
According to Beacon Police Chief Thomas Figlia, after arriving on the scene, officers identified Westchester resident Shane Williams, age 39, of Peekskill, as the suspect.
The chief said a former employee, Willams, had poured lighter fluid on the building and attempted to ignite it with customers and employees inside.
Figlia said Williams had also stolen a chair from an adjoining business and broken the deli window when he failed to ignite the lighter fluid.
Williams was charged with:
- Attempted arson
- Two counts of criminal mischief
- Petit larceny
He was arraigned in Beacon City Court and transported to the Dutchess County Jail.
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