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NEW YORK (77WABC) – FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro says federal authorities have arrested a man from N.J. for allegedly using an accelerant to set fire to his restaurant in Queens, NY following its closure due to Covid-19. The incident was captured on surveillance.
54-year-ole Asif Raja allegedly used a flammable liquid to set multiple fires in a restaurant located at 30-27 Steinway Street, Queens on August 4th, 2020. Raja is charged with one count of arson.
Firefighters were called to the location for reports of a gas odor at 10:13 p.m. where they discovered a water condition from the sprinkler activation as well as small separate fires throughout the structure that were extinguished prior to their arrival. The incident was brought under control without any injuries to civilians or FDNY members.
Fire Marshals immediately responded to the scene and determined the fire to be suspicious in nature. An extensive investigation in-cooperation with the Strategic Explosive and Arson Response Task Force of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives led to the identification and arrest of Raja.
If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison with a maximum sentence of 20 years.
https://fdny.box.com/s/sbuxekgviw3zyi46tiophfmi66l7pv99
