N.Y. Firefighter Using Vacuum to Siphon Sets Fire to Vehicle

A spark ignited both the fire department vehicle and another.

Nov. 6, 2012

Nov. 06--Nassau County police said Steven Pena, 23, of Craig Avenue, a Freeport Fire Department firefighter, was arrested Monday after he used an electric vacuum in "an attempt to illegally siphon gasoline" from a fire department vehicle -- in the process setting fire to that vehicle and his own vehicle, a 2000 Mitsubishi, when the electrical current contacted the gas and its fumes.

Two volunteer village firefighters were injured attempting to extinguish the flames, which police said destroyed both vehicles.

The incident occurred at about 1:40 p.m. at the firehouse on Leonard Avenue.

He is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead.