Police: Man Angry Over Being Evicted Sets Fire to Cedarhurst Apartment

A Cedarhurst man is charged with arson following a blaze at a Cedarhurst Avenue apartment building Friday afternoon, police said.

According to police, Douglas Drummond, 53, of 97 Cedarhurst Ave., Apt. 3H, lit eight separate fires in his apartment because he was angry that he was being evicted, police said.

Fourth Precinct police officers responded to the scene at about 2:20 p.m.

The Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department was able to contain the fire to apartment 3H, which was fully engulfed, police said.

Several other apartments sustained water damage and the 57-unit apartment building, at the corner of Central Avenue, was completely evacuated, police said.

Several tenants were displaced due to the fire, with the Red Cross offering assistance at the scene, police said.

Drummond and a 24-year-old man who lives in the building were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, police aid.

They were bother treated and released, with Drummond remaining in police custody.

No other injuries were reported.

Drummond is charged with second degree arson and will be arraigned on Saturday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Photo via Google Maps

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