Teen Charged With Act Of Arson In Nassau: Police

PLAINVIEW, NY — A Suffolk County man was charged with arson for an incident in Plainview on Friday night, police said.

Jeffrey Neftaly Portillo, 18, used a lighter from his backpack to ignite his hat and a Mosquito Joe lawn sign, police said. A 70-year-old man witnessed Portillo's actions from his vehicle, police said.

Portillo then threw the enflamed items into the wooded area of the sump located at Plainview Road and Dorothea Street, authorities said.

The witness got out of his car, took pictures, attempted to stop him and called 911. When the victim attempted to Portillo, Portillo displayed a knife and threatened to have a “piece," police said.

A Nassau County Police K-9 officer and K-9 arrived to canvass the area and were able to locate Portillo, police said.

He was placed under arrest without further incident.

Portillo is charged with fifth-degree arson and second-degree menacing, police said. He was issued two appearance tickets to returnable to court on April 14.