Police investigating Flushing fire caused by would-be burglars

FLUSHING (WABC) -- Investigators are still piecing together details of a fire in Queens that was started by some would-be burglars. Witnesses say the alleged thieves tied to break in through the roof, but instead sparked the flames.

The fire happened on 39th Avenue in Flushing. The owner of the business upstairs in the building is the one who suffered the most damage, however, it was likely that the thieves were targeting the loan business on the first floor that locks up cash and jewelry.

Late Sunday night, the fire marshal showed up to the building to a burglary. Crooks tried to break in by drilling through an upstairs wall. During the ordeal, they accidentally lit a fire when their tools sparked something inside.

Investigators checked for clues, and firefighters had to climb their ladder to the roof and cut a hole to put the fire out. The business owner tells Eyewitness News that the thieves dropped their tools after the fire started, which could lead to their arrests. Fortunately, because of their haste after the fire, the owner says the crooks did not get away with anything.

The owner of the business upstairs says this is the third time he has been broken into like this.