Alleged Arsonist To Undergo Psychiatric Tests
An alleged firebug collared on Monday, Feb. 24, for setting fires inside shopping centers in Elmhurst and Rego Park will undergo a psychiatric evaluation, it was announced.
Police picked up Derrick Sumair, 23, of 160th Street in Jamaica moments after he allegedly committed arson inside the Burlington department store at the Rego Center mall located off Queens Boulevard and 63rd Road.
Sumair was arraigned on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and ordered held without bail in order for authorities to determine his mental competence, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown stated.
“These incidents should not be viewed as a prank,” Brown said. “Arson is a serious crime that will be dealt with accordingly.”
Reportedly, it was the latest in 12 minor arson fires at retailers at Rego Center, Queens Center and Queens Place malls between last Thursday, Feb. 20, and Monday afternoon. Each of the blazes occurred during afternoon or early evening hours and prompted evacuations and responses by the Fire Department.
No injuries were reported.
In most instances, law enforcement sources said, Sumair allegedly torched clothing or other display items. According to published reports, it is believed the suspect allegedly committed arson to distract security personnel as he shoplifted.
Authorities stated the first fire occurred at about 9:45 p.m. last Thursday inside the Sears store located in the Rego Center mall; the shop was hit a second time Monday afternoon.
Between 4 and 7:45 p.m. Sunday, police noted, Sumair allegedly ignited fires inside the Toys R Us, Staples and TJMaxx stores in the Rego Center, as well as the JC Penney department store at Queens Center, which is located at 90-01 Queens Blvd.
Monday’s fires reportedly occurred between 1:45 and 3:15 p.m. Law enforcement sources said Sumair allegedly hit the Macy’s department store at Queens Center; the Target and Best Buy stores at Queens Place, located at 88-01 Queens Blvd.; and the Best Buy, Old Navy and Bed Bath and Beyond stores at Rego Center.
Police picked up Sumair after the Burlington store fire and charged him with 12 counts of arson, 11 counts of reckless endangerment and 18 counts of criminal mischief.
Queens Criminal Court Judge Gia Morris, who presided over the arraignment hearing, ordered Sumair to return to court on Mar. 18. The defendant faces up to 25 years behind bars if convicted, Brown added.
