By Robert Pozarycki
A South Ozone Park man faces up to eight years behind bars after pleading guilty Nov. 28 to torching nine cars parked around the neighborhood.
Evan Person, 29, of Linden Boulevard entered guilty pleas to third-degree arson charges before Queens Supreme Court Judge John Zoll, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for Dec. 13.
Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said that Person went on his fiery rampage on three different dates in December 2017 and in February of this year.
“He damaged these vehicles and knowingly endangered the lives of his fellow neighbors and firefighters, who responded to the scene of these fires,” Brown said in a statement. “He will now be sent to prison as punishment for his crimes.”
According to the charges, Person torched five vehicles parked at five different locations near 116th Avenue in South Ozone Park on the morning of Dec. 15, 2017. Firefighters quickly responded to and doused the fires that damaged a 2006 Nissan, a 1998 Mercedes Benz, a 2000 Ford Excursion, a 2009 Nissan and a 2014 Mercedes Benz.
Prosecutors said that Person struck again just after midnight Feb. 6 of this year, setting fire to three more vehicles parked in the area of 124th Street. The damaged vehicles included a 1998 Honda Civic, a 2003 Mitsubishi, and a 2008 Kia.
Person went on his third and final arson spree Feb. 16, burning a 2004 Buick parked in front of a home on 109th Avenue near 124th Street, according to prosecutors. Law enforcement sources said the vehicle was damaged beyond recognition.
Fire Department marshals investigated the arson sprees and arrested Person March 8. He faces between four and eight years in prison when he is sentenced next month, Brown said.
