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Say Maspeth Man Lit Car on Fire

Police collared a Maspeth man who allegedly set fire to a vehicle parked on a neighborhood street early last Friday morning, Oct. 17, it was reported.

Law enforcement sources identified the alleged arsonist as 48-year-old George Wetherall of 65th Place.

According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the fire occurred between 12:15 and 12:35 a.m. last Friday on Flushing Avenue near 61st Street.

Reportedly, Wetherall was observed entering a parked white Lincoln Aviator sedan, then exiting from it a short time later and walking away.

Seconds after he left the area, police said, the vehicle burst into flames.

Officers from the 104th Precinct and Fire Department units were called to the scene; the fire was quickly brought under control, but authorities said the vehicle sustained significant damage.

Following a search, police located Wetherall a short distance from the scene; he was later identified as the individual who entered the vehicle just before the fire occurred.

The incident remains under investigation, police and fire sources said.

Wetherall was booked by P.O. Dewan Campbell of the 104th Precinct on charges of fourthdegree arson, criminal mischief and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

According to court records, the suspect was arraigned last Saturday, Oct. 18, in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Douglas Wong, who ordered him held on $15,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 3.