Thomas Tracy
New York Daily News
NEW YORK — A Brooklyn fire that critically injured one tenant and injured six others and a firefighter was intentionally set by a tenant, officials said Wednesday.
Sedgrick Jacob, 30, was arrested by police late Tuesday and is facing assault and reckless endangerment charges for the Tuesday morning blaze on E. 95th St. near Clarkson Ave. in East Flatbush.
It was not immediately disclosed how he allegedly set the fire but arson charges will likely be filed against him as the case progresses, sources said.
The fire broke out inside the two-story brick building just before 5 a.m., cops said. Sleeping tenants were woken up by the thick smoke and found themselves trapped.
At least two tenants jumped from a second-floor landing and resident Sandy Mateo, 55, jumped onto the roof, where he was rescued by firefighters.
Seven tenants and a firefighter were hospitalized, officials said. One tenant remained in extremely critical condition at Brookdale University Hospital Wednesday.
Jacob was taken into custody as firefighters battled the blaze.
Several of those hospitalized were members of first-floor tenant Kaid Kassim’s family. Kassim, who runs a bodega on the first floor of the building, immediately suspected that Sedgrick caused the blaze.
“In (many) years, we’ve never had problems — then this guy come here,” Kassim said Tuesday. “He sits on the ground. He gives the kids problems. He’s smoking in the hallway.”
Jacob’s arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court was pending Wednesday.
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