Arson Arrest After Pre-Dawn Fire In Mount Vernon: Update

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A domestic dispute ended with a fire that displaced 41 people in Mount Vernon Thursday, and police who were there dealing with the call arrested Mount Vernon resident Tony Clark and charged him with burglary and arson.

At 2:27 a.m. Mount Vernon police officers had responded to 472 Franklin Ave. for a reported domestic dispute.

They discovered that the victim’s boyfriend was in the apartment refusing to open the door. Then they noticed smoke coming from underneath the door.

Emergency Service Unit Officers got in and arrested him. No residents were harmed, but 12 apartments had to be evacuated and the building suffered structural damage due to fire.

Red Cross teams have been helping families displaced by the blaze. Red Cross has provided financial assistance to 41 people, including 19 children, for things like hotel stays, food and clothing.

Mr. Clark will be arraigned in Mount Vernon City Court Thursday on charges of second-degree arson and second-degree burglary.

The Mount Vernon Police Department is asking the public: if you have any information to assist in their investigation please call the Detective Division at 914-665-2510.