From: SGT Theron Brown
Contact Number: (607) 737-5626
Date: July 26th, 2024
Subject: Arson in the 400 Blk of W Fourth St
On July 26th, 2024 at approximately 10:00 PM, Officers of the Elmira Police Department responded to an address in the 400 Blk of W Fourth St for a report of an Arson. According to the resident, a male forcefully entered her residence, and threw a homemade explosive device, also known as a Molotov Cocktail at the living room wall. This device ignited and lit a portion of the wall and floor on fire. The suspect, who was identified as 42 year old Elmira resident Tamilselven Thangadurai, threw the Molotov Cocktail in the living room where an 8 year old child was sitting on the couch. The fire was quickly put out by the resident, with the help from neighbors, before calling the police. No one was injured during this incident.
Elmira Police Officers began their investigation into the incident with the help of the Elmira Fire Department and New York State Fire Investigators.
On 07/27/2024 at approximately 2:00 AM, Officers of the Elmira Police Department were flagged down by concerned citizens who was speaking with Thangaduari in the area of Walnut St and W Second St. Because of concerning comments that Thangadurai was making, they quickly contacted the police for assistance.
As a result of the public’s assistance, Thangadurai was taken into custody by the Elmira Police Department where he was found to be in possession of 2 more Molotov Cocktails concealed in his jacket.
Thangadurai was charged with Burglary in the 1st Degree and Arson in the 2nd Degree, both Class B Felonies, and is being held at the Elmira Police Department until his arraignment.
Respectfully,
Theron C Brown
SGT Theron Brown
Elmira Police Department
607-737-5626
