A former employee was arrested Monday in the arson fire that reduced a Lindenhurst family-owned boat dealership to rubble.

Police arrested 69-year-old Alfredo Bartos, of Lindenhurst, for allegedly setting the fire that destroyed Kydd's Marine Center and 16 boats Sunday morning. Dennis Smiegiel, owner of the dealership, says Bartos was an employee for six years before an argument prompted him to quit in December of last year. Police say Bartos entered through a broken window and poured gasoline on the floor to set the blaze. He is charged with arson and his bail was set for $150,000.

Smiegiel says the West Montauk Highway marine center, which was founded by his father more than 50 years ago, will be rebuilt. He says he is thankful Bartos took his frustrations out on materials and not anything living.

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