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FDNY arrests 25-year-old Brooklyn man in series of arsons at NYCHA buildings
By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 9, 2025
Modified May 9, 2025
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 9, 2025
Modified May 9, 2025
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A 25-year-old Brooklyn man is facing multiple charges for allegedly starting fires at three public housing buildings at the Crown Heights complex where he lives, FDNY and NYPD officials said.
New York City’s fire department said fire marshals arrested Unique Cherry this week after identifying him as a suspect in a January blaze at NYCHA’s Albany II development in Crown Heights and as a person of interest in other incidents.
Firefighters tamed a blaze in a first-floor apartment at 1430 Bergen St. on Jan. 26, and marshals later determined there had been 12 “separate and distinct” fires in the unit, FDNY officials said. Cherry lives in the building, according to police.
Cherry provided “detailed confessions” of the Bergen Street fire and two others — at 1191 Park Pl. on Dec. 15 and 162 Troy Ave. on Jan. 20, both at the related Albany I complex — while being interrogated, according to the FDNY. He is being charged with three counts of arson in the second degree, as well as multiple counts of criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.
His listed attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment early Friday. He is due back in court in August.
The Jan. 26 blaze occurred after Cherry used a stove to set a paper wick on fire, which he then used to set a mattress on fire, causing smoke and flames to damage the apartment's walls and floor, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Brooklyn district attorney's office.
Less than a week earlier at the Troy Avenue building, the complaint alleges, Cherry used a hot plate to set several socks on fire, which he then threw around, causing smoke and flames to damage a bathroom, living room and other areas.
The December fire occurred after Cherry used a lighter on a lamp at the Park Place building, resulting in charring on some walls, the complaint states.
“Arson is a serious crime. It is extremely reckless and shows a complete disregard for the lives and safety of others,” FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said in a statement Thursday.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
brooklyn
Crown Heights
fires
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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