An Islip Terrace man faces arson charges after being accused of setting fire to a local bar, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office announced. Paul Lucia, 60, was indicted for allegedly torching the rear of Riley Fibbers Bar and Restaurant in East Islip. As reported by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said, "This act put lives at risk and caused significant damage to the establishment."
Lucia, after being asked to leave the bar on November 20, allegedly returned with a gas can and a lighter. Detected by video surveillance, he poured liquid from the gas can near the busy restaurant's rear entrance before setting the fire. Lucia, seen fleeing in a white Jeep Patriot, was also observed tossing the gas can over a fence, according to the official report.
The incident led to extensive damage to Riley Fibbers' awning and kitchen. A witness, who provided a license plate number matching Lucia's Jeep, helped the police in identifying the suspect. Furthermore, it was discovered that the plates were reported stolen a week prior them being implicated in the crime.
Assisting in the investigation were Suffolk County Arson Squad Detectives, and a certified canine from the Fire Marshal's Office, which marked the presence of ignitable fluids. Found in Lucia's vehicle, during his arrest on Sunrise Highway the following day, included a lighter recovered by law enforcement. Prosecutors charged Lucia with Arson in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony, and additional related charges, as noted by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office release.
The trial slated for January 14, 2026, could see Lucia facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. Michael Elbert, Esq. is representing Lucia, who currently remains in custody, following Justice Richard Horowitz's mandate of a significant cash or bond requirement during arraignment.
