Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man pleaded
guilty and will be sentenced to six years in prison for setting fire to a café while multiple
customers were inside.
District Attorney Clark said, “This senseless crime, spurred by petty anger, had the
potential to seriously harm many people. Fortunately, an alert FDNY EMS worker noticed the
fire, saving many lives. The defendant will now spend six years in prison for his recklessness.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Robert McCurdy, 49, of Tryon Ave., pleaded
guilty today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett to second-degree Arson, a
felony. As part of the plea agreement, McCurdy will be sentenced on Dec. 1, 2017 to six years
in prison followed by five years post-release supervision. He was remanded.
According to the investigation, on May 8, 2016, McCurdy was asked to leave a
Woodlawn café when an argument ensued. The defendant returned and poured gasoline on the
building and the sidewalk and proceeded to light a match while the establishment was
occupied by several people. A nearby Fire Department official noticed the blaze and alerted
authorities, who were able to douse the flames before anyone was hurt. The fire left scorch
marks and caused damage to a window.
District Attorney Clark thanked FDNY Fire Marshal Stephen Bumb for his assistance in
the case.
