The Fourth Squad reports the details of the arrest of an Atlantic Beach man for an Arson that occurred on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 10:20 PM in Atlantic Beach.

According to Detectives, fourth precinct Officers responded to a disturbance at a residence located on Erie Avenue. The defendant, Pasquale Preziosa, 53, had sent threatening text messages to family members stating that he intended to hurt himself. Upon Officers arrival, defendant Preziosa refused to come out of the house. Defendant Preziosa made several threats including harming Officers and forcing suicide by cop. A perimeter around the house was established and the Nassau County Emergency Service Unit, Bureau of Special Operations and Hostage Negation team were dispatched. At 1:20 AM, flames were observed by Officers on the second floor of the residence and it slowly spread throughout most of the second floor. Defendant Preziosa refused to leave the house and ESU Officers along with firefighters entered the residence and located defendant Preziosa in the basement. Officers removed the semi-conscious defendant and provided medical aid for him. Officers placed defendant Preziosa under arrest and he was transported to a nearby hospital for assessment and treatment due to smoke inhalation. Fire Marshal and Arson/Bomb Squad responded to scene, investigation ongoing. 

The Long Beach Fire Department responded and was assisted by several other Fire Departments including those from Point Lookout, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Inwood and Island Park. Which consisted of approximately eight (8) pieces of apparatus and sixty (60) Firefighters. No Firefighters were injured at scene.

Defendant Preziosa is charged with Arson 2^nd degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief 2^nd degree, Aggravated Harassment 2^nd degree and Menacing 2^nd degree. He will be arraigned when medically practical. 

 Details by: Det. Green/4^th Squad 11/19/20/1000/9962