FDNY Fire Marshals Make Arrest in Series of Arson Fires in Brooklyn
May 8, 2025
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced that Fire Marshals arrested Unique Cherry, 25, in connection with three separate arson fires that occurred in NYCHA housing in Brooklyn.
"This investigation demonstrates the outstanding work of the FDNY's Bureau of Fire Investigation," said Fire Commissioner Tucker. "Arson is a serious crime. It is extremely reckless and shows a complete disregard for the lives and safety of others. I commend our Fire Marshals' work in apprehending this dangerous individual."
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, "This defendant allegedly started three separate fires, putting himself and many other people in danger. I commend the FDNY Fire Marshals for their thorough investigation that allowed my office to bring criminal charges. We will now seek to hold this defendant accountable and continue to work with all law enforcement partners to keep Brooklyn residents safe."
On January 26, 2025, the FDNY responded to a fire in a first-floor apartment at 1430 Bergen Street in Brooklyn. The incident was quickly brought under control by the responding Firefighters. FDNY Fire Marshals responded and began their investigation. Marshals conducted a physical examination and observed 12 separate and distinct fires in the apartment. After a thorough investigation, Marshals identified Cherry as a suspect. They discovered Cherry was a person of interest in multiple other fire incidents.
Cherry was arrested on May 6, 2025, and transported to the NYPD's 77th Precinct for arrest processing.
Fire Marshals conducted a recorded interrogation of the suspect and obtained a detailed confession of the 1430 Bergen Street incident. Upon further interrogation, the perpetrator also gave detailed confessions of two other fire incidents deemed incendiary by other Fire Marshals.
- 01/20/2025 – 162 Troy Ave, Brooklyn
- 12/15/2024 – 1191 Park Place, Brooklyn
Cherry is charged with three counts of arson in the second degree; three counts of criminal mischief in the third degree; three counts of reckless endangerment in the second degree; and three counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree. The case will be prosecuted by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.