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A 17-year-old boy has been charged with arson and other felonies for allegedly starting a massive fire that destroyed the historic Fownes Brothers Glove Factory in Gloversville on Tuesday (April 29). The blaze also engulfed nearby businesses, including an exotic pet shop, resulting in the loss of several animals.
According to Times Union, the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday (April 30) following a tip from the public. The Gloversville Police Department had released videos showing a boy on a green neon-colored bicycle near the fire scene, which led to his identification. The teenager, whose name is not being disclosed due to his age, was arraigned in Fulton County Youth Court and released.
The fire, which began around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, destroyed the former glove and knitting factory, causing parts of the four-story structure to collapse. The Gloversville Fire Department managed to bring the fire under control by 10:20 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In addition to arson, the teenager faces charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment. As CBS6 Albany reports, the arson charge is classified as a Class C felony. Police have stated that there are no other suspects involved in the incident.
The fire has rekindled frustration over the city's vacant buildings, with Mayor Vince DeSantis praising the police department's swift action in solving the case. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the owner of Adirondack Exotics, the pet shop affected by the fire, which has raised over $6,000 of its $10,000 goal.