CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — A Brooklyn man was charged with arson after a fire at his parents’ Central Islip home killed two dogs and sent five Suffolk County police officers to the hospital for smoke inhalation, according to police reports and court records.
Police responded to the fire at 23 East Cherry St. at about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, according to News 12 and Patch.
Officers attempted to enter the burning home to rescue two dogs but were unable to reach them. Both dogs were later found dead.
Five officers were taken to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad, police arrested Robert Alston, 39, of Brooklyn. Alston was identified as the homeowners’ son.
New York court records show Alston was arrested Oct. 3 by Suffolk County police and charged with second-degree arson and second-degree burglary. Patch also reported that he was charged with false personation.
The top arson charge alleges Alston intentionally set a fire while a person was present, according to the court record.
Alston was arraigned Saturday before Judge John Kelly in Suffolk County First District Court in Central Islip and pleaded not guilty.
Bail was set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 insured bond or $500,000 partially secured surety bond. A temporary order of protection was also issued.
Alston was represented at arraignment by Suffolk County Legal Aid.
He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 8.
