A Bay Shore man was arrested for arson after he allegedly started a fire in a sump area in Plainview.
On March 28 at 7:05 p.m., a 70-year-old male who was in his vehicle witnessed Jeffrey Neftaly Portillo, 18, allegedly use a lighter from his backpack to ignite his own hat and a Mosquito Joe lawn sign. Portillo then allegedly threw the enflamed items into the trees of the wooded area of the sump located at Plainview Road and Dorothea Street. The witness got out of his car, took pictures, attempted to stop Portillo and called 911.
When the victim attempted to stop the defendant, he displayed a knife and threatened to have a “piece.” A Nassau County Police K-9 officer and K-9 arrived to canvass the area and were able to locate Portillo. He was placed under arrest without further incident.
Portillo was charged with fifth-degree arson and second-degree menacing. He was issued two appearance tickets returnable to First District Court in Hempstead on April 14.