Prosecutors say a 39-year-old man broke into a family member’s home, destroyed security cameras and deliberately set a fire that killed a German Shepherd and Maltese.
CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – A Brooklyn man has been indicted on arson, burglary and animal cruelty charges after allegedly breaking into a family member’s Central Islip home and setting it on fire, killing two dogs trapped inside. Prosecutors said the suspect destroyed security cameras before igniting the blaze and later attempted to conceal his identity when police stopped him nearby.
Robert Alston, 39, of Brooklyn, faces multiple felony charges in connection with the October 2 fire, which caused significant damage to the residence and killed a German Shepherd and a Maltese. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment Friday.
According to prosecutors, Alston arrived at the family member’s Central Islip residence at approximately 11:40 p.m. and allegedly entered the home by climbing through a kitchen window. Once inside, investigators say he intentionally ignited combustible materials, setting off a fire that spread through the residence.
The homeowner was not home when the fire started, but two family pets were inside. Both dogs died from exposure to smoke and toxic combustion products, according to veterinary examinations conducted after the blaze.
Prosecutors Say Suspect Destroyed Ring Cameras Before Starting Fire
Investigators allege Alston destroyed two Ring security cameras at the property before setting the fire. Prosecutors did not disclose whether the cameras captured footage before they were damaged or whether any recordings were recovered.
After allegedly starting the blaze, Alston fled the residence, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Police stopped him several blocks away, where he initially provided officers with a false name.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the alleged attack or the nature of the family relationship between Alston and the homeowner. Prosecutors also did not indicate whether there had been any prior disputes between the two.
The deaths of the animals became a significant part of the criminal investigation. Both dogs underwent necropsies at Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center, where veterinary specialists examined the cause of death.
The examinations determined that the dogs’ deaths were consistent with smoke inhalation and exposure to toxic combustion products, resulting in systemic hypoxia, a condition in which the body’s tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen.
The findings supported two felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals included in the indictment.
Brooklyn Man Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison
“This defendant allegedly broke into and then set fire to a family member’s home in Central Islip late at night,” District Attorney Tierney said. “Thankfully, the family member was not present in the home at the time, but these alleged actions unfortunately took the lives of the family member’s two pet dogs.”
Tierney credited the Central Islip Fire Department and Suffolk County Police Department for their response, saying their actions helped prevent additional injuries or fatalities.
Alston was arraigned October 29 before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins. The indictment charges him with second-degree burglary, third-degree arson, two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, four counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, two counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, and one count of false personation.
The burglary charge is classified as a Class C violent felony, while the arson charge is a Class C felony. The aggravated animal cruelty charges are Class E felonies, and the remaining counts are misdemeanors.
Justice Collins continued Alston’s bail at $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond. The judge also ordered that Alston not own or possess any animals while the criminal case is pending.
Alston is scheduled to return to court November 23 and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge. He is represented by the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County.
Assistant District Attorney Syl-Don O’Gilvie of the Major Crime Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Brooke Salvatore of the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team are prosecuting the case. Detective James Oresto of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Arson Section conducted the investigation.
The indictment alleges that Alston deliberately targeted a relative’s home, destroyed surveillance equipment and started a fire that killed two animals while the homeowner was away. The case remains pending in Suffolk County Supreme Court, and Alston is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Brooklyn man Robert Alston, 39, faces arson, burglary and animal cruelty charges after allegedly setting a Central Islip home on fire, killing two family dogs.