NEW ROCHELLE, NY (December 13, 2023) — A disgruntled patron of a New Rochelle bar ignited a gasoline fire before she was apprehended while attempting to flee the scene in an Uber taxi.
On Tuesday December 12, 2023, at about 12:47 am, New Rochelle Police responded to the Drake Main Café, located at 1 Drake Avenue, on a report of an Arson that had just occurred. The bar owner told police that a dispute occurred earlier in the evening between the arson suspect and Drake Main Café staff at which time the suspect left the premises. The suspect returned shortly thereafter with a gas can and began to pour gas on the exterior walls of the café as well as the entryway before lighting it on fire and fleeing. The bar owner was able to quickly extinguish the fire and responding officers located the suspect attempting to flee in an Uber.
There were no injuries reported at this time.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Arrest & Charge
Freissy Batista-Pereya, 32, of the Bronx, NY.
- Arson 2, a B Felony
- Reckless Endangerment 1, a D Felony
- Criminal Mischief 3, an E Felony