Suspected serial arsonist arrested after string of fires in Manhattan

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Suspected serial arsonist arrested after string of fires in Manhattan
Suspected serial arsonist arrested after string of fires in ManhattanJamal Deese, 24, was captured Wednesday at a Chelsea McDonald's.

GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) -- A suspected serial arsonist in Manhattan is now under arrest.

Jamal Deese, 24, was captured Wednesday at a Chelsea McDonald's. He's accused of setting 16 fires at restaurants and businesses in Manhattan.

They happened in neighborhoods including Greenwich Village, Midtown and also at Penn Station.

Deese is expected to face federal charges Thursday.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in any of the fires.

Deese has 16 prior arrests including ones for aggravated harassment and criminal mischief, some as hate crimes.

----------

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.