Tag:

Arson

$1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Yonkers Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says $1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Yonkers Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says
$1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Yonkers Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says A Westchester man is facing charges for allegedly orchestrating an arson scheme to burn down his home and claim over $1.3 million in insurance money, officials announced. Yonkers resident Majid Haddad, also known as Peter Haddad, age 59, was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 17, by Yonkers Police and arraigned Wednesday, Dec. 18, on a six-count indictment, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said.  According to Rocah, Haddad allegedly conspired with a man to set fire to his single-family home on Odell Avenue in Yonkers between Feb. 20 and Feb. 28, 2021. Investigators said Haddad …
Man on Fire Flees Scene After Setting Portable Bathroom Ablaze in Levittown Man on Fire Flees Scene After Setting Portable Bathroom Ablaze in Levittown
Man on Fire Flees Scene After Setting Portable Bathroom Ablaze in Levittown Levittown detectives are scratching their heads after a portable bathroom went up in flames early Saturday morning—followed by a man running from the scene, also on fire. The bizarre incident happened in front of a home at 119 Sprucewood Drive around 4:30 a.m. on December 14. Officers arrived to find a scorched portable bathroom parked on the front lawn, and witnesses reported spotting an unidentified man fleeing eastbound down Sprucewood Drive, running like a stuntman in an action movie, literally in flames. Detectives are unsure if the fiery fugitive was an unlucky bystander or somehow …
Car Enthusiast Set 4-Alarm Somerville Fire Before Crash Stolen Construction Vehicle: Cops Car Enthusiast Set 4-Alarm Somerville Fire Before Crash Stolen Construction Vehicle: Cops
Car Enthusiast Set 4-Alarm Somerville Fire Before Crash Stolen Construction Vehicle: Cops A 24-year-old Somerset County man who was arrested this week in connection with a fire that left five first responders injured and destroyed a downtown district had just crashed a stolen construction vehicle, authorities announced. Amr A. Khodeer, whose Facebook profile shows he's a car enthusiast who studied at Raritan Valley Community College, stole a vehicle from Union Street and sped away, hitting two cars in Bridgewater, as previously reported by Daily Voice. That incident happened around 2:15 p.m., police said. On Thursday, Dec. 12, the Somerset County Prosecutor's…
La Plata Man Busted Using Curious Methods In Effort To Set Home Ablaze With Others Inside: PD La Plata Man Busted Using Curious Methods In Effort To Set Home Ablaze With Others Inside: PD
La Plata Man Busted Using Curious Methods In Effort To Set Home Ablaze With Others Inside: PD A tense situation unfolded over the weekend in Charles County as La Plata police arrested a man accused of trying to set his home on fire with several people inside. Officers responded to the 600 block of Hemlock Court on Saturday, Dec. 7 at around 4:15 a.m. after a call taker overheard someone making arson threats during a 911 call, police said.  Upon arrival, officers learned the suspect, identified as Michael Darnel Lassiter, 59, was reportedly attempting to ignite a fire using the oven, stove burners, and cooking oil. According to a witness, Lassiter’s actions endangered the other…
IDs Of Two Dead In Kearny Fire Released, Arson Task Force Investigating: Prosecutor IDs Of Two Dead In Kearny Fire Released, Arson Task Force Investigating: Prosecutor
IDs Of Two Dead In Kearny Fire Released, Arson Task Force Investigating: Prosecutor A fire early Friday, Dec. 6 in Hudson County has claimed the lives of two residents and is being investigated by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, officials said. The blaze in Kearny broke out just after midnight at a home on 56 Hamilton Ave., where firefighters arrived to find heavy fire pouring from the residence, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. During fire suppression efforts, emergency responders discovered two victims inside the home with severe injuries. Martin Wilson, 61, was rushed to University Hospital in Newark and pronounced dead at approxi…
Newark Resident Convicted Of Fatally Shooting Man, Lighting Jeep On Fire: Prosecutor Newark Resident Convicted Of Fatally Shooting Man, Lighting Jeep On Fire: Prosecutor
Newark Resident Convicted Of Fatally Shooting Man, Lighting Jeep On Fire: Prosecutor A 25-year-old Newark man was convicted of murder in the first degree on Friday, Nov. 22 for his role in a fatal shooting in August 2022, authorities said. On August 2, 2022, Juan Leandry and his co-conspirators arrived at 535 South Orange Ave. in  dark-colored stolen Jeep Cherokee and fired 42 shots at Davian Sumier, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said. Sumier later died from his injuries, Stephen said. Leandry later set the Jeep on fire in an empty lot in Irvington, posting images of the burning vehicle on his Instagram account, Stephens said. Investigators were abl…
7-Alarm Fire in Southbridge That Displaced 12 Intentionally Set: State Officials 7-Alarm Fire in Southbridge That Displaced 12 Intentionally Set: State Officials
7-Alarm Fire in Southbridge That Displaced 12 Intentionally Set: State Officials A devastating seven-alarm fire that tore through two buildings on Union Street in Southbridge last month was intentionally set, state fire officials said. Twelve people were left homeless in the blaze, and investigators are now asking the public for help in finding who’s responsible. The fire broke out around 3:25 am at 5-7 Union St. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and quickly spread to the neighboring building at 9-11 Union St. Firefighters arriving on the scene found heavy flames and immediately called for additional resources, escalating the response to seven alarms. Crews from over a dozen commun…
Conowingo Woman Charged With Arson After Setting Ex-Boyfriend’s Trailer Ablaze: Fire Marshal Conowingo Woman Charged With Arson After Setting Ex-Boyfriend’s Trailer Ablaze: Fire Marshal
Conowingo Woman Charged With Arson After Setting Ex-Boyfriend’s Trailer Ablaze: Fire Marshal A Cecil County woman is facing multiple arson-related charges after authorities say she intentionally torched her estranged boyfriend's travel trailer, completely destroying it. Krysti Nicole Dabravalskas, 39, was arrested after Maryland State Police and the Office of the State Fire Marshal tied her to the Friday night blaze on Eckman Lane, investigators said in a press release. Troopers initially responded to the property Saturday, Nov. 30, around 7 p.m. for a domestic-related assault involving Dabravalskas in Conowingo, officials said.  During their investigation, witnesses claimed …
Drugs, Sex, Arson: Two PA Men Wanted In Ex-GF's Twisted Revenge Plot: Affidavit Drugs, Sex, Arson: Two PA Men Wanted In Ex-GF's Twisted Revenge Plot: Affidavit
Drugs, Sex, Arson: Two PA Men Wanted In Ex-GF's Twisted Revenge Plot: Affidavit Two men wanted for arson and attempted homicide in York County allegedly set a Dover Township home ablaze and fired bullets into a neighbor’s house in a twisted revenge plot apparently orchestrated by the homeowner’s ex-girlfriend, police announced on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Authorities are searching for Nicholas Lee Burtner, 31, and Jacob Lamar Adams, 28, in connection with an Oct. 4, arson and shooting in Dover Township. Police allege the crime was orchestrated by Leighanne Enders, 37, as part of a revenge plot against her ex-boyfriend a 38-year-old man who had recently obtained a Protection F…
Arsonist Set Mattress On Fire, Displacing Residents At Landisville Motel: Police Arsonist Set Mattress On Fire, Displacing Residents At Landisville Motel: Police
Arsonist Set Mattress On Fire, Displacing Residents At Landisville Motel: Police A man was accused of intentionally starting a fire at an Atlantic County motel, displacing tenants and causing extensive damage, authorities said. Shawn Negron, 31, was arrested on Monday, Nov. 25, the Franklin Township Police Department said in a news release. His address was listed as the Budget Lodge on South Harding Highway in the Landisville section of Buena. Franklin Township police responded to the fire at the motel at around 1:24 p.m. Initial reports indicated a room was engulfed in flames, with witnesses suggesting the blaze may have been intentionally started. Inve…
Flannel-Wearing Firestarter Sought After $50K Maryland Business Blaze: Fire Marshal Flannel-Wearing Firestarter Sought After $50K Maryland Business Blaze: Fire Marshal
Flannel-Wearing Firestarter Sought After $50K Maryland Business Blaze: Fire Marshal Fire investigators are turning to the public for help identifying the suspect who set a Cumberland tire shop ablaze early Saturday morning, causing $50,000 in damages. The fire broke out around 4:42 a.m. at D&K Tires on Greene Street after surveillance footage captured the suspect igniting a flammable device on a window air conditioning unit. Cumberland Fire Department crews arrived at the two-bay auto repair shop to find flames shooting from a window. Firefighters contained the blaze to an office area, but smoke, soot, and water damage spread throughout the business. Video surveillanc…
Two Philadelphia Men Convicted In Arson That Killed Firefighter Lt. Sean Williamson Two Philadelphia Men Convicted In Arson That Killed Firefighter Lt. Sean Williamson
Two Philadelphia Men Convicted In Arson That Killed Firefighter Lt. Sean Williamson Two Philadelphia men have been convicted for their roles in a 2022 arson fire that killed Lt. Sean Williamson, a 27-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department, federal prosecutors announced on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. Al-Ashraf Khalil, 31, and Isaam Jaghama, 31, were found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit malicious damage by fire and malicious damage by fire of a building used in interstate commerce, according to U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. Khalil was also convicted of wire fraud and using fire in furtherance of wire fraud. The fire, set in the early hours of J…
Port Jervis Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside Port Jervis Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside
Port Jervis Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside In a significant court ruling, a woman from the region was sentenced to nine years in prison following her conviction for arson of a residential building. According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Dawn Hulse, age 53, of Port Jervis, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to prison time plus an additional five years of supervised release.  This follows her guilty plea in Orange County Court to commit arson at a two-family residence in Port Jervis. Court documents reveal that on Tuesday, Jan. 25, Hulse disabled the smoke detector from the fuse box and barricaded the…
Second Marlton 14-Year-Old Charged With Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Homes: Police Second Marlton 14-Year-Old Charged With Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Homes: Police
Second Marlton 14-Year-Old Charged With Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Homes: Police A second Marlton boy was accused of arson, sparking a wildfire that threatened more than a dozen homes in Burlington County, authorities said. The 14-year-old was charged with second-degree aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the Evesham Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Another 14-year-old boy was previously arrested and given the same charges. Officers responded to the forest fire off Sycamore Drive near the border with Berlin Township at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. It took firefighte…
Fatal House Fire Breaks Out In Mattituck Fatal House Fire Breaks Out In Mattituck
Fatal House Fire Breaks Out In Mattituck A house fire on Long Island claimed one life. A 911 call reporting a blaze at a residence in Mattituck on the 4500 block of Middle Road in Mattituck on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 9:45 a.m.  Multiple fire departments arrived, and while three individuals managed to escape unharmed, a body was later discovered inside. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the identity and cause of death for the victim.  Detectives from the Suffolk County Homicide Squad and Arson Section are investigating the incident. Check back to Daly Voice for updates.
Cecil County Deputy Fire Chief Accused Of Setting Blaze He Helped Extinguish Cecil County Deputy Fire Chief Accused Of Setting Blaze He Helped Extinguish
Cecil County Deputy Fire Chief Accused Of Setting Blaze He Helped Extinguish A Cecil County fire official has been arrested for allegedly setting a brushfire on the property of a local addiction treatment center, leaving a community stunned. Robert "Bobby" Bennett, 39, the deputy fire chief of Hacks Point Volunteer Fire Company, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after investigators identified him as the person allegedly responsible for a blaze earlier this month, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 4 when a brushfire burned two acres of land on Grove Neck Road at the Recovery Centers of America’s property, officials sa…
Man Severely Burned In Pennsylvania Wildfire, Charged With Arson: Police Man Severely Burned In Pennsylvania Wildfire, Charged With Arson: Police
Man Severely Burned In Pennsylvania Wildfire, Charged With Arson: Police A man accused of setting one of the wild fire across Pennsylvania has been charged with multiple felonies, police announced Monday, Nov. 18. Malcolm Kellogg suffered severe burns to his upper body in the blaze on Blue Mountain near Autumn Oaks Drive and Box Elder Court on Friday, Nov. 8, according to the Lower Paxton Bureau of Police. The fire started after Kellogg, who was previously cited for illegally dumping trash at the same location, allegedly lit the debris on fire instead of removing it as directed. The flames spread quickly, endangering nearby homes and residents, police said. Mor…
Four Newark Firefighters Injured In Three-Alarm Fire: Authorities Four Newark Firefighters Injured In Three-Alarm Fire: Authorities
Four Newark Firefighters Injured In Three-Alarm Fire: Authorities Four Newark firefighters were injured battling a three-alarm blaze that began on the late evening of Friday, Nov. 15, authorities said. At 11:57 p.m., firefighters responded to 11 Seymour Ave., an unoccupied residential building, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said. The fire extended to two occupied residential buildings at 9 Seymour Ave. and 13 Seymour Ave, Miranda said. A 2nd alarm, requesting additional units to the scene, was called at midnight, and a 3rd alarm, requesting even more units, was called at 12:04 a.m., Miranda said. One fire captain and three firefighte…
Quadruple Murder: Matthew Locke GUILTY Of Vicious Slaying Of West Brookfield Family Quadruple Murder: Matthew Locke GUILTY Of Vicious Slaying Of West Brookfield Family
Quadruple Murder: Matthew Locke Guilty Of Vicious Slaying Of West Brookfield Family A jury convicted a Massachusetts man of the brutal quadruple murder of his cousin's wife and her three young children at their Worcester County home, prosecutors said. Matthew Locke, 38, formerly of Ware, was found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder in the slayings of Sara Bermudez, 38, Madison Bermudez, 8, James Bermudez, 6, and Michael Bermudez, 2, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office said. Locke, a cousin of Moses Bermudez, committed the March 1, 2018, murders while Moses was out of town in California, authorities said.  The trial lasted four weeks and included…
Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Evesham Township Homes, Police Say Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Evesham Township Homes, Police Say
Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Evesham Township Homes, Police Say A Marlton boy was accused of starting a wildfire that threatened more than a dozen homes in Burlington County, authorities said. The 14-year-old was charged with second-degree aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the Evesham Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Officers responded to the forest fire off Sycamore Drive near the border with Berlin Township at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. It took firefighters several days to extinguish the roughly 52-acre wildfire. The blaze threatened 15 homes…
Terrorism Charge: Dad Tried Bombing Uniondale Building After Losing Visitation Rights, DA Says Terrorism Charge: Dad Tried Bombing Uniondale Building After Losing Visitation Rights, DA Says
Terrorism Charge: Dad Tried Bombing Uniondale Building After Losing Visitation Rights, DA Says A father angered over losing visitation rights with his kids tried bombing a Long Island government building, prosecutors said, leading to the county’s first ever terrorism charge. James Luca, age 46, of North Merrick, was arraigned on terrorism and related charges in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in connection with an attempted bombing at the Nassau County Department of Social Services building in Uniondale. Prosecutors said Luca and a co-defendant, 25-year-old Jayson Reyes, of North Merrick, arrived at the building on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard at around 2 a.m. Tuesday, Sept…
20-Year-Old Volunteer Firefighter Accused Of Setting Suffolk County Blaze 20-Year-Old Volunteer Firefighter Accused Of Setting Suffolk County Blaze
20-Year-Old Volunteer Firefighter Accused Of Setting Suffolk County Blaze A volunteer firefighter from Long Island is facing charges after allegedly setting a brush fire. Suffolk County Police said Jonathan Quiles, age 20, intentionally set the fire in a wooded area on Mount Vernon Avenue in Medford at about 3:35 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.  The blaze also damaged a 2004 Chevrolet parked nearby. Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Arson Section, detectives arrested Quiles, a resident of Medford. He faces charges of: Arson in the fourth degree Arson in the fifth degree Reckless endangerment in the second degree Quiles is scheduled for ar…
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
Man Attempts To Set Fire To Beacon Deli With Customers, Employees Inside: Police Man Attempts To Set Fire To Beacon Deli With Customers, Employees Inside: Police
Man Attempts To Set Fire To Beacon Deli With Customers, Employees Inside: Police A former deli employee in the region was nabbed for allegedly attempting to light a business on fire with employees and customers inside. 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 sa…
Serial Arsonist Telling Tall Tales Admits To Setting Montgomery County Fires: State's Attorney Serial Arsonist Telling Tall Tales Admits To Setting Montgomery County Fires: State's Attorney
Serial Arsonist Telling Tall Tales Admits To Setting Montgomery County Fires: State's Attorney A firebug responsible for a series of arson incidents in Montgomery County has copped to the crime and faces up to 80 years in prison, according to the state's attorney's office. Fernando Herrera-Rivera, 24, pleaded guilty this week to four counts of second-degree arson in connection to multiple incidents reported in September 2023. Specifically, Herrera-Rivera admitted to lighting fires involving:  A vehicle along Russell Avenue; A Gaithersburg Police Department building on Fulks Corner; A beer and wine store in the 400 block of South Frederick Avenue; A market in the 400 block…
Man Intentionally Set Fire To Monroe Township Little League Equipment Sheds, Police Say Man Intentionally Set Fire To Monroe Township Little League Equipment Sheds, Police Say
Man Intentionally Set Fire To Monroe Township Little League Equipment Sheds, Police Say A Woodstown man was accused of intentionally setting fire to sheds at a Little League baseball complex in Williamstown, authorities said. Anthony Lindsey, 43, was charged with arson and criminal mischief, the Monroe Township Police Department said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Officers responded to the Monroe Township Little League Complex on Church Street at around 1:26 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Baseball equipment was damaged in two storage sheds. Investigators ruled the fire was arson and Lindsey was identified as the suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest and U.S. Mar…
Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation
Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation The Williamsport Bureau of Police and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire launched a joint investigation on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, following a series of suspected arsons across multiple locations in the city. Authorities reported four incidents, each involving intentional fires or vandalism, throughout the day. The first incident unfolded at 5:00 a.m. at the Pajama Factory’s parking lot on 1307 Park Ave., where officers and firefighters responded to several vandalized vehicles, including one set ablaze. At 6:20 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the 170 Rose St. area for multiple small…
Suspect Arrested For Series of Arsons In Williamsport: Police Suspect Arrested For Series of Arsons In Williamsport: Police
Suspect Arrested For Series of Arsons In Williamsport: Police A suspect has been arrested for the series of arsons that took place in Williamsport in early November, police said in a Monday, Nov. 18 news release. Jacob Fichter, 22, of Williamsport, is facing multiple arson-related charges for a series of fires he allegedly started at four locations in the city on Monday, Nov. 4 and Tuesday, Nov. 5, according to the Williamsport Bureau of Police. The first incident happened at 5 a.m. in the parking lot of the Pajama Factory at 1307 Park Avenue where authorities found several vandalized vehicles, including one that was set ablaze, a previous report by D…
NJ Man Who Arranged 2022 Arson Of PA Warehouse Convicted: Police NJ Man Who Arranged 2022 Arson Of PA Warehouse Convicted: Police
NJ Man Who Arranged 2022 Arson Of PA Warehouse Convicted: Police A New Jersey man was convicted for arranging the 2022 arson of a Bensalem warehouse on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, according to police. Ramiz Duka, 61, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was convicted in federal court for conspiring to set fire to a warehouse located at 1388 Bridgewater Road in Bensalem on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, the Bensalem Police Department said. Duka recruited two men to set fire to the warehouse, paying them $15,000 to do so, according to police. Over the course of several weeks, the three men met and planned the arson, ultimately leading to the fire. While fighting the blaze,…
Texas Fugitive Arrested In Secaucus: Police Texas Fugitive Arrested In Secaucus: Police
Texas Fugitive Arrested In Secaucus: Police A man wanted for arson in Texas was arrested in Secaucus on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 30, authorities said.  At 8:23 a.m., officers observed a man, later identified as Tito Correa, causing a safety hazard as he walked between multiple cars outside of a crosswalk at Meadowlands Parkway and Wood Avenue, while other vehicles were traveling in both directions, Secaucus police said.  A warrant check revealed Correa was wanted on the charge of arson by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office in Texas. Correa was listed on Trarrant County’s Most Wanted List. Tarrant County is …
Cherry Hill Man Who Planned PA Book Warehouse Arson Convicted, Feds Say Cherry Hill Man Who Planned PA Book Warehouse Arson Convicted, Feds Say
Cherry Hill Man Who Planned PA Book Warehouse Arson Convicted, Feds Say A New Jersey man was found guilty of plotting to burn down an eastern Pennsylvania warehouse, causing a fire that injured a firefighter, authorities said. Ramiz Duka of Cherry Hill, NJ, was convicted on Wednesday, Oct. 30 of conspiracy to commit arson, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Jacqueline Romero said in a news release. According to trial evidence, Duka recruited two men to set fire to the warehouse for Ebooksweb.com LLC on Bridgewater Road in Bensalem, PA. The three men met over the several weeks to plan the arson and Duka paid the two $…