Man Charged in Arson at Downtown Binghamton Hotel

Binghamton police have made an arson arrest after 45 people were evacuated from a downtown building following an explosion and fire.

Authorities say 59-year-old Jerry Hopkins of 104 Henry Street has been charged with second-degree arson, a felony.

Hopkins was arrested Monday evening, about 12 hours after the arson incident at Dixie 2000 at 106 Henry Street. The five-story building is located next door to the suspect's residence.

Investigators say the office of the rooming house had been doused with a liquid accelerant. There was an explosion and fire, which was extinguished by a sprinkler system.

Omar Afify, an owner of the hotel, said most of the 52 rooms were occupied at the time of the fire. Everyone in the building escaped without injury.

People with information about the incident may contact the Binghamton police detective division at 607.772.7080.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.