Fishkill, New York – On September 23, 2021, the New York State Police arrested Inez Feliciano, age 36, of Bronx, NY, for setting fire to the Village at Merritt Park townhouses in April of 2021.

After an extensive investigation with assistance from the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, village of Fishkill Police, and village of Fishkill Fire Department, Feliciano was arrested for four counts of Arson in the 2nd degree, a class B felony, and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd degree, a class D felony.

Feliciano was arraigned before the Honorable Judge Martin of the village of Fishkill Court, and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, $500,000 partially secure bond, or $1,000,000 bond.  A preliminary hearing for this case has been scheduled for September 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.

Fishkill, New York – On April 18, 2021 at approximately 10:13 p.m., the Village of Fishkill Police Department, the New York State Police, Dutchess County Cause and Origin Team and the Fishkill Fire Department with mutual aid from surrounding districts responded to the Village at Merritt Park located off Merritt Blvd.

Seven rear back porches, which had paper products being stored for recycling, were set on fire at the 200 Building, 400 Building and 800 Building.  Each building contains 24 apartments.  All the families residing in the 200 Building were displaced due to extensive damage.  Damage was minor to the 800 Building and damage appears mostly limited to the exterior on the 400 Building.  All occupants were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported.

Captain John Ryan, Acting Troop K Commander, stated “Thankfully no one was injured.  What would motivate someone to do this is unclear at this time, but we will be working tirelessly to find out who did this and why.  The community can expect to see a higher police presence in the area.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to please contact the New York State Police at (845) 677-7300.

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Fishkill, New York – On April 18, 2021, the New York State Police responded with the Village of Fishkill Police Department and the Fishkill Fire Department to the Village at Merritt Park on Jefferson Boulevard in the Village of Fishkill for multiple structure fires.

Fishkill Fire Department with the assistance of multiple mutual aid departments were able to successfully fight the fire.  Police and Fire quickly moved residents to safety with no reported injuries.

The American Red Cross has responded to aid the displaced victims, and provide disaster relief.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with possible information regarding this fire is asked to please contact the State Police at (845) 677-7300.

Updated information will be provided when available.