Brush Fire Caused By Man Setting Flock Cameras On Fire In Dutchess County

RHINEBECK, NY — A Hudson Valley brush fire had an unusual cause, according to authorities.

A Rhinebeck man has been charged in the brush fire and damaged Flock camera reported late Saturday night in the Town of Rhinebeck, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

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The sheriff's office reported the arrest of 26-year-old John K. Coleman, of Rhinebeck, during the early morning hours of Sunday.

On Saturday, at 11:50 p.m., the New York State Police and sheriff's office responded to an area along Route 9, in Rhinebeck, for a report of a brush fire.

The sheriff's office said Coleman is accused of setting the camera on fire, which in turn led to the brush fire.

Coleman was charged with felony criminal mischief and arson. After being processed, he was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Rhinebeck Court on Nov. 5.

The sheriff's office identified the damaged device as a Flock camera.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted in the investigation by the New York State Police, the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, and the Rhinebeck Fire Department.