RIKERS INMATE INDICTED FOR ARSON IN MASSIVE FIRE THAT INJURED A DOZEN PEOPLE AT JAIL

 

Defendant Allegedly Used Batteries and Wires to Ignite Furniture/Linens in Cell

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Rikers Island inmate has been indicted for setting a large fire on Rikers Island that injured 12 detainees and Correction Officers with smoke inhalation.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly started a blaze that sent thick smoke billowing through the jail, causing detainees and Correction Officers to suffer smoke inhalation, and putting dozens of lives at risk. Thankfully, first responders were able to put the fire out quickly to prevent further harm.”

 District Attorney Clark said Marvens Thomas, 30, was indicted on second-degree Arson, third-degree Arson, 29 counts of second-degree Assault, second-degree Criminal Mischief, fourth-degree Arson, third-degree Criminal Mischief, fifth-degree Arson, five counts of Obstructing Governmental Administration, Obstructing Firefighting Operations, 24 counts of third-degree Assault, and second-degree Reckless Endangerment before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Beth Beller. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on September 13, 2023.

  According to the investigation, on April 6, 2023 at approximately 4:28 p.m., the defendant, who is awaiting trial for a Bronx stabbing and an Attempted Murder of a Correction Officer, allegedly started a fire in his cell in Housing Area 2A, North Infirmary Command, at Rikers Island. Thomas allegedly used stripped headphone wires and batteries from a tv remote control to create a heat source sparking the fire which started in his cell. The defendant allegedly lit linens on fire on a table and set fire to items on his bed. The flames consumed his cell, even melting plastic covering on the cell lights, and damaged adjacent cells.

 The fire created a hazardous, thick, dark smoke condition that spread throughout the second floor of North Infirmary Command. Five NYC Department of Correction Officers suffered smoke inhalation, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Seven detainees were treated for injuries connected to the fire. The defendant was burned when melted materials fell on him.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Correction Officer Ryan Gunning, who helped extinguish the fire. District Attorney Clark thanked FDNY Fire Marshals Brian Fealy and Tom Boland, and New York City Department of Correction Investigators Walter Holmes, Jeff Rios and John Cammisuli, and the New York City Department of Correction Intelligence Bureau for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.