As reported by FDNY, a collaborative investigation by FDNY Fire Marshals and the Queens District Attorney’s Office has resulted in a plea agreement sentencing Evan Person, 35, to 15 years in prison.
Person pled guilty to second-degree arson after being charged with setting multiple vehicle fires and a house fire that left two residents critically injured.
FDNY Fire Marshals used detailed scene examinations, interviews, and extensive video surveillance to identify Person as the suspect.
Video footage captured him setting fire to two vehicles and linked him to a house fire at 107-52 132 Street in Queens.
The investigation led to his arrest and case presentation to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S.
Tucker highlighted the significance of the investigation in ensuring public safety, stating: “These reckless acts of arson endangered the lives of New Yorkers and FDNY members.
“Thanks to the excellent investigative case work of our Fire Marshals and our close collaboration with the Queens District Attorney’s Office, this perpetrator will be behind bars for a long time.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz addressed the impact of Person’s actions, saying: “This defendant is a serial arsonist who set fire to vehicles and an occupied home over the course of less than an hour in South Ozone Park.
“The defendant’s reckless actions seriously injured two of the home’s occupants and they were hospitalized for more than a month after the incident.”
Person faced an extensive indictment that reflected the severity of his actions.
The charges included first-degree arson and burglary, second-degree arson and burglary, third-degree arson, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, petit larceny, and endangering the welfare of a child.
His guilty plea to second-degree arson satisfied the full indictment, leading to the 15-year prison sentence.
The investigation and legal process required collaboration between FDNY Fire Marshals and the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Their efforts ensured accountability for Person’s actions and addressed the risks posed by such incidents to public safety.
The incidents underscore the dangers of arson in urban areas, particularly its impact on community safety and well-being.
The house fire caused critical injuries to two residents, who required hospitalization for over a month.
The swift actions of FDNY Fire Marshals and the prosecutorial efforts of the Queens District Attorney’s Office were instrumental in securing justice in this case.
Continued vigilance, community engagement, and inter-agency cooperation remain vital to addressing arson-related threats effectively.
FDNY and the Queens District Attorney’s Office announced a 15-year prison sentence for Evan Person, 35, following his guilty plea to second-degree arson.
Person was charged after setting fires to vehicles and a house in South Ozone Park, Queens, critically injuring two residents.
The investigation relied on video surveillance, scene examinations, and detailed casework by FDNY Fire Marshals.
Both FDNY Commissioner Robert S.
Tucker and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in holding Person accountable and preventing further harm to the community.
