The Nassau County Police Department said in a release that a suspect has been arrested and charged in a number of arson incidents, including two in Roslyn.
The department’s Arson Bomb Squad reported the arrest of Melanie Nieves, 24, who detectives say is homeless, early in the morning on Sunday.
Nieves was observed on video at Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace at 225 Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead, “lighting a fire using available materials that she placed against the rear exterior of the store,” according to detectives.
Responding officers then searched the area and located Nieves, who was placed under arrest without incident.
Detectives said that “during her arrest, Nieves was found to be responsible” for a total of nine other arson incidents, that began on March 28 in Merrick with two on the same day. Five incidents took place in West Hempstead, and two in Roslyn, the first at a residence and daycare center at 175 Warner Avenue, and the other in a residence garbage fire at 110 Main Street. The latter two incidents took place on the same day, April 30.
Police have charged Nieves with a combined 11 counts of arson for the incidents. She was set to be arraigned at Nassau First District Court in Mineola on Monday. No attorney has yet been identified.
