The Arson Bomb Squad reports the arrest of a Franklin Square man that occurred on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 2:45 pm in Franklin Square.

According to detectives, officers responded to 800 Morton Avenue for a Fire and observed the entire garage engulfed in flames. The fire then spread to the fence of 812 Morton Avenue and the garage of 587 Hewlett Street. During the fire, fireworks in the garage of 800 Morton Avenue were ignited.  As a result, the fireworks were set off, causing the rear garage and fence of 605 Hewlett Street to catch fire.  The fireworks also entered the living room of 800 Morton Avenue and landed on a couch starting a fire within the home.

Louis Distefano, 57, of 800 Morton Avenue, was placed under arrest.

Franklin Square Fire Department, Arson Bomb Squad, Nassau County Fire Marshall and Town of Hempstead Building Department all responded to the scene.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Defendant Louis Distefano is charged with Unlawful Storage of Explosives and Unlawful Possession of Explosives-without Licenses and Certificates. He will be arraigned on March 20, 2024 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Details by: Det. Thomas / ABS                                           03/19/24/2330/8834