Nassau Woman Lit Multiple Fires At Homes, Businesses: Police

WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY — Nassau County police arrested a woman early Sunday morning who they say is responsible for setting multiple fires around the West Hempstead area since March.

According to police, Melanie Nieves, 24, was seen on video lighting a fire at Sam's Caribbean Marketplace, located at 225 Hempstead Tpk. in West Hempstead around 1 a.m. Police say she used materials she found around the building and placed them against the outside rear wall of the store, and then lit them on fire.

Police searched the area and located Nieves. She was place under arrest without incident.

During the investigation, police say they determined Nieves was also responsible for the following fires:

• March 28: Sunrise Car Wash, 1820 Sunrise Hwy., Merrick
• March 28: Garbage fire at a home on Central Boulevard, Merrick
• April 14: Apartment hallway fire, 282 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead
• April 30: Daycare center, 175 Warner Ave., Roslyn
• April 30: Garbage fire at a home on Main St., Roslyn
• May 17: Florist shop, 535 Hempstead Tpk., West Hempstead
• May 17: Nail salon trash fire, 493 Hempstead Tpk., West Hempstead
• May 17: Mahrose Salon trash fire, 507 Hempstead Tpk., West Hempstead
• May 17: Porch fire at home on Parker Avenue, West Hempstead

Nieves is charged with two counts of second-degree arson, six counts of third-degree arson and three counts of fifth-degree arson. She is scheduled to be arraigned later today.