crimes and misdemeanors

Arson Suspected in Brooklyn Church Fire

UNITED STATES - AUGUST 27: Firefighters stand in the rain at the scene of a fire at the corner of Walton and E. Mount Eden Aves. in the Bronx, where five firefighters were trapped in the basement when the roof of a building collapsed. The inferno, which began at the Mega 99 Cent store around 12:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, killed probationary Firefighter Michael Reilly, 25, and critically injured Lt. Howard Carpluk, a twice-decorated 20-year FDNY vet, after a huge air conditioning unit plunged through a burning roof and through the ground floor. (Photo by Debbie Egan-Chin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) Photo: New York Daily News Archive/2006/Daily News, L.P. (New York)

Early this morning, firefighters rushed to put out a two-alarm blaze at the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew, located on the border between Prospect Heights and Fort Greene. Investigators believe that someone poured gasoline around the building’s front doors — two canisters were found nearby — and lit the fire at around 3:30 in the morning. Three Occupy Sandy volunteers were asleep inside at the time (the church has served as one of the movement’s headquarters since the hurricane), but no injuries were reported.

Arson Suspected in Brooklyn Church Fire