By T.J. Pignataro
The Buffalo News
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Three Buffalo men were arrested Thursday night after they caused extensive damage to a Buffalo fire truck and equipment in retaliation to firefighters closing off an open hydrant, Buffalo police said.
David D. Moore, 32, of Goodyear Avenue; Raymond M. Nelson, 22, Cambridge Avenue; and Marlon A. Barnaby, 28, Hazelwood Avenue, were taken into custody at 7:40 p.m. by Northeast District Officers Kevin Kindzierski and Ray Harrington. Each was charged with felony criminal mischief and obstructing governmental administration.
The three, using five-gallon buckets, hurled water through the open cab windows of Engine 33, near 60 Carl St., police said.
Police and fire officials said the water soaked firefighters and their turnout gear and caused significant damage to electrical equipment. The damaged equipment included the dashboard of the fire truck, a laptop computer and defibrillator.
Engine 33 was taken out of service after the incident.
Police said the suspects were part of a group of nearly two-dozen residents of the neighborhood who tried to prevent firefighters from shutting off the hydrant, which was being used to cool off.
Police also noted a section of Carl Street where the hydrant was damaged by the inundation of water.
Moore, Nelson and Barnaby were taken to the Erie County Holding Center, where many inmates were also trying to cope with the heat due to a broken air conditioner.
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