WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — A man hurled a flaming can full of gasoline at a Ft. Washington Avenue church on Saturday and walked away as the door caught fire, according to officials.
Michael Garcia, 28, threw the can at the rear door of Fort Washington Collegiate Church at 181st Street and Ft. Washington Avenue at about 11:05 a.m., and walked away as flames spread to the door and vestibule, according to the FDNY and prosecutors.
Police caught up with Garcia minutes later, arresting him in front of 24 Bennett Ave., according to the NYPD. The motive for the attack wasn't immediately clear, they said.
Though no one was hurt in the fire, there were approximately 60 people inside the church at the time and the fire caused charring to the wood of the door and scorching on the brick facing of the church, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
Witnesses saw Garcia fill a red can with gasoline from a gas station on 186th Street and Broadway prior to starting the fire, according to the DA. The gas station receipt showing the last four numbers of a debit card matched with Garcia's debit card information, prosecutors said.
Police said they recovered a box-cutter and a knife from Garcia during his arrest.
Garcia was charged with criminal mischief, arson, reckless endangerment and possession of a weapon, the DA said. He's being held at the Manhattan Detention Complex pending a March 4 court date.
His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
