Endicott Arson Probe May Hinge On DNA Evidence

Police investigating a "complicated" Endicott arson case are hoping DNA samples from the scene will lead to an arrest.

The early-morning blaze on September 4 in a former synagogue at 117 Jefferson Avenue was discovered by a police officer who smelled smoke while on patrol.

Detective lieutenant Steven Noyes said the fire was contained to a vestibule area where it burned itself out.

Noyes said the fire was "definitely an arson" but that was only one part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are waiting for DNA test results that could results in charges being filed. Noyes said "some pretty good samples" have been obtained.

Eleven weeks after the fire, yellow police and fire tape remain in place around the building.

Fire officials initially had said it appeared the building had been "booby-trapped" with trip wires, gasoline, propane and butane. They said it may have been designed to hurt or kill firefighters.

But Noyes said investigators later ruled out the possibility emergency responders were targeted by an arsonist.

People who live next door to the building this week told a reporter they aren't worried about the arson incident. They say they've seen nothing suspicious at the site recently.

The building is owned by Broome County, which took over the property because taxes had not been paid.

The county apparently had allowed the property to be used for video production although a transfer of ownership had not been finalized.

Noyes said a man who was involved in the business had stayed in the building "off and on" but he had not been living there.

Notices placed on the building state it has been condemned. The notices were signed by Broome County public works commissioner Daniel Schofield. He could not be reached November 19.

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