Greater Long Island coverage is funded in part by Toresco & Simonelli, a boutique injury and family law firm in West Islip. They fight for their clients. Click here to get in touch.
A 60-year-old Islip Terrace man is in jail Saturday for setting a fire inside Riley Fibbers in East Islip moments after getting kicked out of the bar and restaurant, police said.
Suffolk County Police arrested Paul Lucia on Friday, following the Thursday night blaze that broke out about 7:30 p.m. in the back area of the building at 148 Carleton Ave. The restaurant was evacuated and no injuries were reported.
The Islip Fire Department reported that the fire was quickly brought under control.
Arson Squad detectives identified Lucia as the patron responsible, police said. Officers later found Lucia in his vehicle, which had stolen license plates.
Lucia was charged with second-degree arson and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He was held by police overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned Saturday in First District Court in Central Islip.
Closed, for now
Meanwhile, Riley Fibbers will be temporarily closed, the restaurant announced.
“This wasn’t anything we ever expected to experience, and it weighs heavy on all of us — our staff, our regulars, and our entire East Islip community who’ve turned this place into so much more than a bar,” ownership wrote in a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“We know the timing is tough, especially around the holidays, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this difficult moment,” the post continued. “Please bear with us — we promise we’re doing everything we can behind the scenes.”
Top: Facebook / Islip Fire Department
