Brooklyn man charged in Central Islip arson that killed family pets
The dogs were found dead after the fire was extinguished, according to Suffolk police.
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A man has been indicted by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for allegedly burning down a family member's home in Central Islip.
Robert Alston, of Brooklyn, allegedly broke into the home on Oct. 2 around 11:40 p.m., according to the Suffolk DA. He climbed into the residence through the kitchen window and then allegedly ignited combustible materials.
“This defendant allegedly broke into and then set fire to a family member’s home in Central Islip late at night. Thankfully, the family member was not present in the home at the time, but these alleged actions unfortunately took the lives of the family member’s two pet dogs,” said District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
As News 12 previously reported, firefighters from the Central Islip Fire Department and neighboring departments tried to enter the home and save the dogs that were stuck inside but were unsuccessful. The dogs were found dead after the fire was extinguished, according to Suffolk police.
The dogs were a German Shepard and Maltese, according to the District Attorney's Office. Necropsies performed at Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center showed that their cause of death was consistent with smoke inhalation.
The District Attorney's Office says that Alston also allegedly destroyed two Ring cameras before setting the fire. He also gave police a false name when they stopped him a few blocks away.
The 39-year-old was indicted for burglary, arson, aggravated animal cruelty, and other related charges. His bail is continued at $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond.
He is due back in court on Nov. 23 and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
