Bryan Oviedo, a Brooklyn resident, faces federal charges after a series of fires he is accused of setting on August 20. These fires affected multiple neighborhoods and required a response from the city’s emergency services. Oviedo was arrested last Saturday, with his initial court appearance scheduled shortly afterward, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.
According to the criminal complaint, during the early hours, between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., Oviedo is accused of igniting as many as 20 buildings in the Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights areas. These fires included a residence on Pacific Street and a church on Clinton Avenue. "As alleged in the complaint, Oviedo went on a pre-dawn spree in residential neighborhoods in Brooklyn during which he set fire to multiple buildings, including a church and a residential building, while families slept inside, endangering lives and causing first responders to race to the scenes of these arsons," United States Attorney Nocella stated in a press release.
The apprehension of Oviedo came about through diligent work by multiple agencies. Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller of the ATF applauded the collaborative efforts, "This arrest marks a critical step in restoring safety and peace of mind to our community," he said. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch remarked on the inherent danger of the crimes, "While New Yorkers were asleep in the dead of night, Bryan Oviedo allegedly put them and their neighbors in grave danger by lighting their residences and a church on fire," in a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker highlighted the risks arson poses to both civilians and first responders. He noted that coordinated efforts between Fire Marshals, the NYPD, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office led to the removal of the suspect from the city’s streets. Surveillance videos showing Oviedo allegedly setting fires while wearing a distinctive skirt were used to establish a timeline of the incidents that resulted in his arrest.
While Oviedo has been charged, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, he faces a sentence ranging from five to 20 years in prison. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Reich and Andy Palacio from the Office’s General Crimes Section.
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