A woman jumped from a second-story window to escape flames after an arsonist set fire to a restaurant, funeral home, and synagogue in Queens late Monday, as per police reports.
Officials stated that the fires broke out around 9:10 p.m. at 888 Kitchen on Flushing Avenue, D’Angelo Second Funeral Home on Grand Avenue, and the Maspeth Jewish Center on Grand Avenue.
Two individuals were hurt while attempting to flee the burning building on Flushing Avenue. A 26-year-old man sustained a cut on his finger while trying to open a window on the fire escape, and a 27-year-old woman experienced a minor leg injury when she jumped to the ground, according to police.
Both were transported to Elmhurst Hospital Center for treatment.
During the investigation, authorities apprehended a woman who matched the description of the arsonist. She was taken to the hospital, and charges are pending. She was reportedly without identification and described as “emotionally disturbed,” with motives linked to “opportunity.”
This incident followed the arrest of a firefighter just days earlier, bringing additional arrests to 15, related to a Molotov cocktail attack on a Brooklyn business that injured a firefighter.
In another troubling case, weeks before, a man was accused of randomly setting fires that led to the deaths of four individuals, including a 3-year-old girl, in Flushing, with prosecutors stating he was seeking revenge after being forced out of his job.
Roman Ammatitla, 38, has been charged with starting fires in an Avery Avenue building and reportedly stood outside drinking beer while people died inside. He is currently held without bail.
