Arson Arrest In Connection With Massive 2-Building Fire: MVPD

MOUNT VERNON, NY — An arson arrest has been made in connection with the multi-alarm fire on Monday, according to Mount Vernon police.

Officials say Shawn Gaillard was arrested. The 33-year-old Mount Vernon man was charged in Mount Vernon City Court with one count of arson 3rd degree and one count of arson 4th degree.

While on patrol in the area of S. 7th Ave. and Sandford Blvd., members of the Mount Vernon Police Department saw that the house located at 505 S. 7th Ave. was in flames. Officers soon realized that the fire had already spread to the adjacent house located at 507 S. 7th Ave. Members of the police department entered the house and were able to get one resident out safely.

SEE ALSO: 2-Alarm Mount Vernon Fire Spread To A 2nd House: Video

The Mount Vernon Fire Department arrived on the scene and with the help of the New Rochelle Fire Department and the Pelham Fire Department were able to bring the fire under control and contain it to 505 and 507 S 7th Ave. Both buildings sustained major damage.

An investigation by the Mount Vernon Fire Department and a Westchester County Police Arson Investigator later determined that the fire was intentionally set. The fire was officially declared an arson.

Accorn, a Westchester County arson detection dog, was instrumental in helping to zero in on the illicit cause of the fire, according to a statement from the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.

A criminal investigation by Mount Vernon Police Detectives later led to the suspect.

Gaillard was arrested on Wednesday, according to police. He was remanded to the Westchester County Jail.