JACKSON HEIGHTS — Three teenagers were arrested Monday for breaking into a firehouse after firefighters left to respond to a call, according to the Queens District Attorney.
The teens — whose names are being withheld by DNAinfo New York pending their arraignment — were each charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal trespass, according to the DA’s office. They live in Corona and Elmhurst, officials said.
One of the teens allegedly climbed over a fence and onto a shed attached to the firehouse at 81-17 Northern Blvd. to gain access to the house after firefighters left on a call, the DA said.
Another teen was also standing on the shed while a third acted as lookout on the sidewalk, according to officials.
A firefighter who was still at the station found one of the teens on the second floor and brought him outside to police officers responding to a burglary call, the DA said.
“To many firefighters, the firehouse is a second home,” DA Richard Brown said.
“In this case, the defendants are accused of knowingly trespassing that space with the intent of removing property. More troubling, perhaps, is that they allegedly waited for firefighters to be sent out on a call — risking their lives to rescue people and save property — before breaking in.”
All three face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
