FDNY Fire Marshals Arrest Two Suspects for Arson Fire at Occupied Bronx Cafe on Mother's Day
June 3, 2016
Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced today that Fire Marshals have arrested two suspects in connection with a deliberately set fire at a cafe in the Bronx on Mother’s Day.
“If anyone attempts to use fire as a weapon to injure and intimidate others or to damage property, FDNY Fire Marshals will track them down and arrest them,” said Commissioner Nigro. “Arson is a callous crime which senselessly puts the lives of New Yorkers and FDNY members in danger. I salute our Fire Marshals for their extensive investigation which removed two dangerous individuals from our city’s streets.”
Robert McCurdy, 48, and John Teelan, 52, both of the Bronx, were arrested by Fire Marshals for setting a fire on the rear entrance of the Woodlawn Café, located at 3700 Jerome Avenue, at approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, 2016. Following an argument, both suspects had been asked to leave the location earlier that evening. The suspects are alleged to have returned with a cooler filled with gasoline, which they then splashed onto the building and lit on fire. The restaurant was open for business at the time, with numerous customers still inside.
A nearby FDNY EMS Officer saw the flash of flames on the building, notified FDNY dispatch and responded to the scene. Thankfully, no one was injured. FDNY Fire Companies quickly arrived to suppress the fire and wash any remaining gasoline from the building.Fire Marshals responded to the scene immediately and began an extensive investigation; conducting interviews with witnesses, canvassing the area and searching for surveillance video that may have captured the fire and fleeing suspects. In surveillance video obtained by Fire Marshals during the investigation, the suspects can be seen lighting the building on fire and then attempting to flee in a vehicle, while one of the suspects was on fire.
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Following an extensive investigation, and in collaboration with the NYPD, both suspects were arrested by Fire Marshals and charged with arson in the second degree, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
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