Crime & Safety

Duo Arrested in East Meadow After Attempted Arson in Uniondale

The two were both arrested on Hempstead Turnpike after allegedly trying to start a house and car fire.

Two 18-year-olds were arrested in East Meadow Friday morning after allegedly trying to set a house and car on fire in Uniondale.

According to Nassau County Arson/Bomb Squad detectives, Jeffrey Rada, 18, of Hicksville, and Dominick Marinelli, 18, of Uniondale, had an ongoing dispute with the son of a homeowner on Warwick Street in Uniondale.

As part of the dispute, around 6:50 a.m. on Friday, Rada and Marinelli attempted to set the victim's house on fire, in addition to a car, police said.

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According to police, the defendants were in the process of pouring gasoline on the vehicle when of the victim's parents came outside. The defendants then fled the scene.

Additionally, an accelerant had been poured throughout the exterior of the house, police said.

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A short time later, First Precinct officers located Rada on the corner of Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. Marinelli was located in front of 1622 Hempstead Turnpike, also in East Meadow.

No injuries were reported.

Both defendants are being charged with attempted arson in the first degree, attempted arson in the third degree. They will be arraigned on Saturday in First District Court in Hempstead.


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