Authorities have taken a Brooklyn man into custody on allegations of setting a series of fires at public housing buildings. Unique Cherry, 25, is facing charges that include multiple counts of arson and criminal mischief.
Cherry was arrested after being linked to an apartment fire on January 26 at 1430 Bergen Street in Crown Heights, as per reports from the Gothamist. The FDNY found "12 separate and distinct fires" had been set within the residence, leading them to suspect Cherry, a resident of the building. Following interrogation by officials, Cherry delivered "detailed confessions" for this fire and two additional incidents, one on December 15 at 1191 Park Place, and another on January 20 at 162 Troy Avenue; both locations are part of the Albany I complex in the same neighborhood.
During the investigation, "Arson is a serious crime. It is extremely reckless and shows a complete disregard for the lives and safety of others," FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker conveyed in a statement obtained by the Gothamist. Cherry's charges, as reported, involve three counts of arson in the second degree, among other charges.
As for now, the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office is set to prosecute the case, and Cherry's legal representation has not yet provided a comment, according to today's reports. Unique Cherry, as reported by PIX11, is due back in court come August.
