Police Identify Suspect Arrested In Bizarre Bridge Arson Attempt

STONY POINT, NY — A man who tried to burn a bridge behind him is now facing arson charges, according to police in Rockland County.

The Stony Point Police Department says that on July 20, around 9:30 p.m., they received a report of a man trying to light a fire with an unknown accelerant on the James A. Farley Bridge.

Once at the scene, patrol officers saw a large, black charred area on the concrete floor of the bridge, and noticed a strong odor of gasoline. They then canvassed the area for the suspect, witnesses, and any other possible damage.

Stony Point detectives say they later identified the suspect as 34-year-old Watson Germosen, of Stony Point.

On Tuesday, around 9:45 a.m., detectives and patrol officers found Germosen at his home and arrested him. He was charged with third-/fourth-degree criminal mischief, and fifth-degree arson.

He was processed and released, with a court date scheduled for October 16.