Man Arrested For Setting Cars on Fire in Elmont: Police

ELMONT, NY - An Elmont man was arrested on Thursday for setting several cars in the Elmont area on fire, according to Nassau Police.

Juan Perez, 36, was found to have damaged a 2009 Chevy parked on Hillsborough Avenue by slashing the front seat as well as the dash board at about 3:25 a.m., police said

After an investigation, police found that Perez burned the following cars:

• the exterior and interior of a 2012 Nissan parked on Terrace Avenue
• the interior to a 2001 Mercedes Benz parked on Stone Street
• the exterior to a 2008 Infinity parked on Stone Street
• the interior to a 2009 Toyota and back window damage to a 2003 Honda parked on Stone Street
• and the trunk to a 2014 Infinity parked on Steele Street

A 32-year-old witness, who saw Perez, confronted him on Lincoln Street where a physical altercation took place, police said.

After a brief struggle, the witness was able to subdue Perez until an officer arrived and placed him into custody without incident, police said.

Perez was transported to a local area hospital and treated.

He is charged with three counts of third degree arson and third degree criminal mischief, police said.

He will be arraigned on Friday.