ShopRite Employee Arrested for Thanksgiving Eve Fire

A 21-year-old employee at a Staten Island ShopRite has been arrested for allegedly igniting a fire in the supermarket just before Thanksgiving, resulting in damage exceeding $100,000, according to authorities.

Dominic Sacchetti was taken into custody on Wednesday, facing accusations of starting a fire on November 26 at the busy grocery store on Greaves Lane. This was a time when many shoppers were getting ready for the holiday, as stated by the FDNY.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured Sacchetti setting fire to a shelf stocked with paper products. That’s a pretty startling image, it seems. Video evidence revealed flames rising and paper towels tumbling to the floor.

As the fire rapidly escalated, a customer quickly intervened, grabbing a fire extinguisher and managing to put out most of the flames, which is quite commendable in such a chaotic situation.

Luckily, no injuries were reported during the fire, but the damage caused was significant, amounting to more than $100,000, according to the FDNY.

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the incident. “As Staten Island residents prepare for Thanksgiving with their families, this individual risked the lives of shoppers and responding firefighters,” he commented. He also praised the efforts of fire marshals for apprehending Sacchetti.

Sacchetti faces multiple charges, including arson, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon noted that Sacchetti’s actions endangered a large number of people in the store, including essential employees and customers simply trying to buy food for the holiday.

“Arson that endangers the lives of our fellow residents will not be tolerated here,” McMahon remarked. Sacchetti’s bail is set at $50,000 in cash or $100,000 in bail.