A Baldwin man has been charged in connection with a series of vehicle fires in Freeport after police say multiple cars were intentionally set ablaze in a municipal parking lot early Sunday morning.
According to Nassau County police, officers responded to Municipal Parking Field 1 near 32 Smith Street in Freeport at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10, for reports of several vehicles on fire.
When officers arrived, they found multiple vehicles engulfed in flames. Arson Bomb Squad detectives later determined that Elder Lopez Avalos, 27, of Ambrose Place in Baldwin, was responsible for starting the fires, police said.
Authorities said Lopez Avalos was spotted by officers a short distance from the scene and taken into custody without incident.
Detectives also linked Lopez Avalos to three earlier vehicle fires in Freeport, including incidents on May 2, 2026, June 18, 2025, and June 29, 2025, according to police.
Police charged Lopez Avalos with six counts of third-degree arson and fourth-degree arson.
Third-degree arson is a felony in New York and involves intentionally damaging property by starting a fire or causing an explosion. The charge can carry significant prison time if convicted.
Lopez Avalos was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, May 11, at First District Court in Hempstead.
Photo: NCPD
