Fire Marshals Arrest Suspect for Setting Multiple Fires in Manhattan

July 28, 2021

Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced today that Fire Marshals have arrested Caleb Ganzer, 35, for allegedly setting fire to outdoor dining structures and rubbish in Manhattan in January, June, and July of this year.

“Every act of arson has the potential to spread rapidly, endangering the lives of New Yorkers and FDNY members,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Thankfully in these incidents there were no injuries and the suspect has been apprehended before another fire could be set.”

Locations and date of fires allegedly set by Caleb Ganzer:

  • July 13, 2021 at 2:55 a.m. – outdoor dining structure owned by Prince Street Pizza (27 Prince St)
  • June 26, 2021 at 4:35 a.m. – rubbish on fire at the corner of Broome St and Centre St
  • January 8, 2021 at 11:52 p.m. – outdoor dining structure owned by Forsythia Restaurant (9 Stanton St)

After a thorough investigation and apprehension of Mr. Ganzer for the July 13th fire, FDNY Fire Marshals established a connection to earlier occurrences in lower Manhattan that fit the same pattern. Fire Marshals then arrested him for the fires on June 26th and January 8th. Ganzer is charged with two counts of Arson in the third degree; two counts of Criminal Mischief in the third degree; and three counts of Reckless Endangerment in the second degree. The case will be prosecuted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Video and Photo of Suspect Caleb Ganzer