MIDDLETOWN – A Jamaica, Queens man has been arrested and charged in connection with assault and fire Monday night that damaged 10 apartments at the Buttonwood Hills Apartment complex at 360 Concord Street in the City of Middletown.
Police charged Larry Hickmon, Jr., 39, with arson, assault, and criminal obstruction of breathing. This was not the first brush he has had with the law.
The 37-year-old female victim of this domestic assault that appears to have precipitated the fire was treated for facial injuries. Her three children were unharmed.
When police arrived on the scene, they found Hickmon standing next to the burning building, but when he spotted officers, he attempted to flee, but was apprehended by Officer Kelly Conklin.
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At the same time, Officer Louis Scialabba entered building 8 and went door-to-door checking for occupants, all of whom evacuated safely.
Scialabba and a firefighter sustained minor injuries.
A computer check found Hickmon was wanted on a felony assault charge by Newburgh City Police and an assault charge in the Town of Wallkill.
Assisting Middletown firefighters were Circleville, Silver Lake, Howells, Pocatello, and Mechanicstown fire departments.
