The Verve Hotel, now known as the Pam’s Place women’s shelter (Photo: QueensPost)
July 16, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez
Police have arrested a woman who allegedly set her roommate on fire at a homeless shelter in Long Island City last week.
Yarenis Perdomo, 33, was arrested Saturday in Astoria, three days after she allegedly threw nail polish remover on her 51-year-old roommate and lit her on fire at the Verve Hotel, according to police.
An NYPD spokesperson said Perdomo got into an argument with her roommate at around 10:30 p.m. on July 11, and set her on fire with an unknown object in the shelter, located at 40-03 29th St.
The 51-year-old victim was taken to Weill Cornell Hospital’s burn unit for severe burns to the face and other injuries, police said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeless Services said DHSPD Peace Officers responded immediately to the incident by calling the NYPD and connecting the victim with medical care.
The agency is also coordinating with the hospital and medical provider to ensure that the client who was attacked is provided with support and services.
“This unconscionable act goes against everything we stand for and we’re working closely with law enforcement to ensure the perpetrator is apprehended,” DHS spokesperson Isaac McGinn said in a statement made prior to the arrest.
Perdomo has been charged with attempted murder, assault with intention to cause physical injury, and assault with intention to disfigure/dismember.
Court records show that a psychiatric exam was ordered for the defendant. She is due back in Queens Criminal Court on August 3.
