A 34-year-old man faces a felony arson charge after allegedly starting multiple fires across a city in Westchester, damaging a car in the process, police announced.
Yonkers resident Edwin Polanco was arrested on Monday, June 3, following several incidents that began around 1 a.m., Yonkers Police announced on Tuesday, June 4.
According to the department, Polanco allegedly set several piles of garbage on fire at that time, damaging a vehicle parked next to trash cans in one of the locations.
Soon after the fires were set, officers and detectives found Polanco and apprehended him. He was soon found to have set at least four fires, with investigation possibly tying him to more, police said.
After his arrest, Polanco was charged with:
- Fourth-degree arson, a felony;
- Three counts of fifth-degree arson.
The department said that because of bail restrictions, Polanco was later released with an appearance ticket.
Yonkers city officials condemned Polanco’s alleged actions and expressed frustration that they were required to release him by New York law.
“While this person was not successful in imposing harm on anyone, the dangerous intent should be critically examined,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, who continued, “Handing down just an appearance ticket is a slap on the wrist and needs to be addressed.
“The lack of consequences and punishment fuels criminals like this to continue to pose a danger to our community and quality of life.”
Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza expressed a similar sentiment: “Our Officers and Detectives continue to get the job done despite the restrictions imposed on them by lawmakers,” he said.
Sapienza continued, “A person intentionally setting multiple fires in a highly populated area while people are sleeping should not be rewarded with freedom awaiting an arraignment.”
