KIAMESHA LAKE, NY — A resident of Kiameshia Lake, NY has been charged with arson after the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office investigated a structure fire which left one injured with second- and third-degree burns. 

On Monday, August 2,  at about 1:40 p.m. firefighters were called to the scene of a structure fire at 428 Fraser Road, across the road from the Kiamesha Bowling Alley in the Town of Thompson. Firefighters that were on the scene evacuated seven residents from the multiple occupancy dwelling, including an 11-month-old child and a 59-year-old man who was trapped and suffered burns.

County fire investigators determined that the fire appeared to be intentionally set and requested assistance from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation by deputies led to the arrest on Wednesday, August 11 of Charles James Ellis, 28, of Kiameshia Lake, NY. It is alleged that Ellis, who is a reputed member of the Bloods Street Gang, intentionally set the fire to cover up the burglary of a room in the building. The suspect was taken into custody in Liberty with the assistance of village police.  Ellis was charged with the felonies of Arson, Burglary, Reckless Endangerment and Assault. He was arraigned in the Town Thompson Court before Judge Sharon Jankiewicz and remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail.

Sheriff Mike Schiff said that this was a serious crime that could have resulted in multiple fatalities. It is reported that embers from the fire were falling into the crib of the 11-month-old child when firefighters arrived. “The structure was an old rooming house that the fire moved through very quickly”, said Schiff. “Our firefighters did an outstanding job and saved lives.” The 59-year-old male resident who suffered  second- and third-degree burns was transported to Westchester Medical Center and is expected to recover. Schiff acknowledged deputy sheriff Corey Dixon who took the lead in the investigation and eventually tracked down the suspect to a residence in Liberty.

The following agencies were on the scene with the Monticello Fire Department on August 2: Rock Hill FD,  Wurtsboro FD, Woodridge FD, Liberty FD, Livingston Manor FD, White Sulphur Springs FD, Hurleyville FD, Port Jervis FD, Bethel F.A.S.T. Team, Sullivan County Fire Investigators, Mobile Medic and Hackensack AirMed One, New York State Police.