Man Attempts to Set Utica Corner Store on Fire, Quickly Caught by Police

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UTICA, NY – A man tried to set fire to a local corner store, only to be caught less than two hours later thanks to quick action by Utica Police.

Around 1:55 p.m. on July 1st, officers were called to Utica's Best Market at the intersection of Kemble Street and Hobart Street following reports of an attempted arson. Store employees told police they had received a warning call stating that someone was on their way to harm them and burn down the building.

Moments later, the suspect entered the store carrying a gas can. He proceeded to pour gasoline on the store counter and attempted to ignite it. Fortunately, his attempt to start a fire failed, and employees quickly chased him out. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

As officers were still investigating the crime scene around 3:10 p.m., the store received a tip that the suspect had been spotted inside another store on Eagle Street. Police immediately responded and located 37-year-old Aziz Nagi of Utica. He was taken into custody without incident.

Nagi was transported to the Utica Police Department and charged with Attempted Arson in the Second Degree.