Fire and fury broke out at a South Boston establishment when a rejected patron allegedly tried to quickly turn his disappointment into destruction. David Gong, a 33-year-old Newton man, was apprehended by officers from District C-6 after being accused of attempting to set the location ablaze on Sunday evening. Boston Police reported that the incident was sparked by a refusal of service due to intoxication.
The mayhem began around 6:35 PM when Gong, reportedly incensed by the denial, chose to act out aggressively. Witnesses claimed he threw water at the bar before retreating to the restroom where he continued to wilfully damage property. Upon exiting, he ominously informed staff there was a fire in the bathroom. The Boston Fire Department arrived swiftly to douse the flames in the trash barrel where the suspect allegedly set the fire. Gong was later located by police officers outside of the premises and taken into custody.
Facing multiple charges, Gong's actions have resulted in a list of accusations including Burning of a Public Building, Burning of Personal Property, Attempt to Burn a Public Building, Attempted Arson of Dwelling House, and Malicious Destruction of Property.
The community breathes a sigh of relief as the suspect awaits adjudication. Boston Police have not yet to completely discern a motive, but the charges suggest a clear intent to commit a crime. As the legal process unfolds, Gong's attempt to retaliate against a public establishment has certainly sparked a larger conversation about public safety and the consequences of uncontrolled anger.
