Staten Island, New York — A 21-year-old ShopRite employee, Dominick Sacchetti, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly starting a fire that caused over $100,000 in damage at the Greaves Lane supermarket the day before Thanksgiving, authorities confirmed.
The blaze erupted on November 26, a busy day as shoppers prepared for Thanksgiving, according to the FDNY.
Surveillance Footage Shows Fire Ignited on Paper Goods Shelf
Authorities said Sachetti was captured on store surveillance cameras allegedly igniting a shelf full of paper goods, which quickly caught fire. Flames spread along the aisle, knocking over stacks of paper towels as the inferno grew.
A quick-thinking customer grabbed a store fire extinguisher and managed to put out most of the flames, preventing injuries.
No Injuries Reported, But Significant Damage
Thankfully, no one was hurt during the blaze. However, the FDNY estimated the damages exceeded $100,000. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said:
“While residents of Staten Island were beginning to prepare for Thanksgiving with their families, this individual put the lives of shoppers and responding firefighters at risk. Thanks to the dedicated work of our Fire Marshals, this dangerous individual who put lives at risk has been apprehended.”
Charges and Legal Action
Sacchetti faces multiple charges, including:
- Multiple counts of arson
- Two counts of reckless endangerment
- Two counts of criminal mischief
Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon added:
“Acts of arson that endanger the lives of our fellow residents will not be tolerated here on Staten Island, and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sacchetti’s bail was set at $50,000 cash and $100,000 bond, as per The Post.
Community Impact
The incident alarmed Staten Islanders, who were in the middle of their holiday preparations, and highlighted the potential dangers posed by arson in busy public spaces. Authorities stressed the importance of vigilance and swift reporting of suspicious activity to prevent similar incidents.
Your Turn
Were you shopping at ShopRite that day, or have you witnessed suspicious activity in your local stores? Share your thoughts, experiences, or safety concerns in the comments below.
