Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced today that Fire Marshals have arrested Joel Mangal, 38, for the alleged use of improvised incendiary devices, commonly known as “Molotov Cocktails,” that resulted in damage and destruction of a Brooklyn deli, located at 496 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn on Saturday, October 30, 2021.
Firefighters were called at 07:53 a.m. for reports of a store fire and arrived in 3 minutes. The rapid response allowed firefighters to quickly bring the incident under control and provide medical treatment for one civilian with non-life-threatening injuries.
“Fortunately, there was no loss of life here. The investigative work from the Explosives and Arson Task Force comprised of our Fire Marshals, the NYPD, and ATF, led to the timely arrest of this suspect who threatened the safety of our communities by using such a cruel and destructive device,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “FDNY will continue to work alongside local, state and federal partners to bring to justice those who use fire as a weapon against New Yorkers.”
Charges:
- arson;
- assault;
- criminal mischief;
- reckless endangerment;
- criminal possession of a weapon.
The case will be prosecuted by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call the NYPD‘s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1–800–577–TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1–888–57–PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers‘ website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All tips will be kept strictly confidential.
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