Queens Man Accused Of Starting Fire After Domestic Dispute

MIDDLETOWN, NY — A domestic dispute led to a fire at a Middletown condominium complex that displaced more than a dozen people Monday night.

Authorities said Larry Hickmon Jr., 39, of Queens, was accused of injuring a 37-year-old woman and then set a fire that damaged 10 of the building's 16 units at the Buttonwood Hills Condominiums, 360 Concord Lane, the Times Herald-Record reported.

Two Middletown city firefighters were taken to the hospital, one with chest pains and the other with difficulty breathing. They were treated and released.

All the building's occupants were able to evacuate safely, MidHudson News said.

Hickmon was charged with arson, assault and criminal obstruction of breathing.

He is also facing a felony assault charge in the city of Newburgh and an assault charge in Wallkill.

Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano said an arson investigation is underway, News 12 reported.