Man Who Hurled Molotov Cocktail Into Bed-Stuy Deli Charged: FDNY

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A man who hurled a Molotov cocktail into a Brooklyn deli in broad daylight has been arrested, according to fire officials.

Joel Mangal, 38, was charged with arson by Fire Marshals on Sunday, just 24 hours after he threw the incendiary device into the store on the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Halsey Street, the FDNY said.

Mangal was caught on video throwing the fiery device into the store just before 8 a.m. when at least two people were inside, according to the FDNY.

He tried to throw a second Molotov cocktail through the doors but was stopped by a bystander, who knocked the device from his hands onto the sidewalk, video shows.

Firefighters arrived in three minutes and were able to quickly put out the fire in the store, FDNY officials said. One person suffered non-life threatening injuries.

“Fortunately, there was no loss of life here," Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said. "The investigative work from the Explosives and Arson Task Force comprised of our Fire Marshals, the NYPD, and ATF, led to the timely arrest of this suspect who threatened the safety of our communities by using such a cruel and destructive device."

Mangal is charged with arson, assault, reckless Endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal mischief, officials said.