Binghamton police say the city man charged with stealing a fire department ambulance has been accused of setting a downtown fire two days later.
Authorities say 32-year-old Jonathan Ventura of Pine Street was arrested following an investigation into the theft of the ambulance and a separate arson incident.
The ambulance was driven away from the temporary fire department headquarters at Court and Carroll streets around 8:45 a.m. August 23. The vehicle was idling and unattended while the crew was in the station to pick up gear.
A Binghamton Fire Department ambulance was stolen from outside the temporary headquarters on Carroll Street on August 23, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A Binghamton fire ambulance was stolen from outside the department's temporary headquarters on Carroll Street on August 23, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The suspicious fire reportedly occurred in a dumpster in Commercial Alley north of Court Street around 6:15 a.m. August 25.
Detective Captain Cory Minor said Ventura has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of stolen property in connection with the ambulance theft.
Minor said Ventura also has been charged with arson as the result of the fire investigation.
The fire ambulance was found on Henry Street a short time after it was stolen.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.
For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNowon Twitter.
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