Arsonist admits torching East Islip bar after being asked to leave
Paul Lucia, 60, pleaded guilty Tuesday to arson and faces 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, prosecutors said.
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An Islip Terrace man has admitted to setting fire to an East Islip bar with patrons and employees inside after being asked to leave by staff, according to Suffolk County prosecutors.
Paul Lucia, 60, pleaded guilty Tuesday to arson and faces 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, prosecutors said.
The incident began on Nov. 20, 2025, when Lucia was asked to leave Riley Fibbers Pub & Restaurant after taking a photograph of a staff member, according to prosecutors. He drove away in a Jeep Patriot but returned about two hours later carrying a gas can and a lighter.
Surveillance video shows Lucia pouring a flammable liquid near the bar's rear entrance while customers and staff remained inside, prosecutors said.
He then ignited the fire, walked away as flames erupted, threw the gas can over a nearby fence and drove off.
No one was injured, but Riley Fibbers had fire damage to the exterior awning and kitchen.
Prosecutors say a witness provided investigators with the Jeep's license plate number, which had been reported stolen about a week earlier.
Investigators recovered the gas can cap from a flowerpot outside the bar and later found the can on an adjacent property, according to prosecutors.
A certified ignitable-detection canine from the Suffolk County Fire Marshal's Office also alerted to the presence of ignitable liquids at multiple locations around the scene.
Lucia was located a short time later driving on Sunrise Highway and taken into custody.
