A 19-year-old Suffern resident has been arrested in connection with the early-morning arson on Woodland Drive that destroyed a vehicle outside a Jewish family’s home, Suffern Police announced Friday.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, when Suffern Police received multiple calls reporting an active fire on Woodland Drive. Responding officers found a vehicle engulfed in flames in the driveway of a residence.
The Suffern Fire Department responded and extinguished the blaze before it could spread to other vehicles or the home.
A preliminary investigation determined that the fire appeared suspicious, prompting Suffern Police detectives to respond along with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office BCI and Fire Investigation Unit.
Investigators determined that the blaze originated in garbage that had been placed near the curb for collection before spreading to the vehicle parked in the driveway.
After several days of investigation, detectives identified a 19-year-old Suffern resident as a suspect. Police said the suspect was interviewed and subsequently arrested on charges of third-degree arson and second-degree criminal mischief.
Police said their investigation found no connection between the suspect and the victims and determined that the fire was not specifically targeted at the Jewish family or any other individual.
Investigators believe the 19-year-old had been walking home after consuming alcohol when he randomly and intentionally set fire to the garbage, which eventually spread to the vehicle.
The arrest confirms what Suffern Mayor Michael Curley previously told Monsey Scoop during the investigation — that authorities did not believe the incident was antisemitic in nature.
Suffern Police thanked the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in the investigation and Mayor Curley and the Suffern Village Board for their support throughout the case.
Police Chief Andrew Loughlin said the department remained in continuous contact with village officials throughout the investigation, with the Village Board emphasizing that the safety of Suffern residents was a top priority.
What kind of person lights garbage on fire??? That is something I wouldn’t do no matter how much alcoholic I’d had to drink. It’s just not a normal thing to do. I hope this person faces real consequences for the destruction of property. I’m thankful that no one was injured by this person’s dangerous, reckless act.
I agree 100%. Thankfully, it wasn’t worse as this incident easily could have turned into a tragedy. They should prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law, and make him pay restitution for all the damage he caused!