News 12 Digital is highlighting the most-viewed stories of 2018 as part of our 'News 12's Most-Viewed' series. This story on a suspect getting charged in the Kings Plaza fire was first published on Sept. 17. Original story below.
Police say a Brooklyn man has been charged with arson in connection with a massive fire Monday morning at the Kings Plaza Mall parking garage that injured more than two dozen people.
Police released a surveillance image of the man, identified as 23-year-old Avon Stephens, saying he was seen in the vicinity of where the fire broke out. The man can be seen in the image shirtless, with a white shirt draped over his shoulder. Stephens was walked out of the NYPD's 63rd Precinct in Brooklyn's Flatlands section Monday night.
Investigators say the fire started around 8:30 a.m. on the second floor of the parking garage. More than two dozen people, mostly firefighters, suffered from smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
Sources tell News 12 that about 60 cars were incinerated. Most are believed to be from a nearby dealership.
The mall posted on Twitter that it was closed for the day. It celebrated its
grand reopening over the weekend. There was no word on whether it would reopen on Tuesday.
About two weeks ago, the shopping center was evacuated due to a
bomb scare.