(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Altariq Nixon, 43, of Coram, was indicted for Arson in the Second Degree and related charges, for allegedly intentionally starting a fire that caused significant damage to a Coram home.
“This fire in the middle of the night was a potentially deadly situation that could have led to a tragic outcome for the residents of this house,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I am relieved that despite the damage, the occupants were unharmed, and I am thankful to the first responders that acted quickly to contain the fire and apprehend the person allegedly responsible.”
According to the investigation, on November 13, 2025, at approximately 11:26 p.m., the homeowner of a residence on Glenmere Lane in Coram smelled smoke coming from his garage and evacuated the residence with his wife. Once outside, they watched their home become engulfed in flames. The Suffolk County Police Department, Coram Fire Department, and multiple additional fire departments responded to the scene. The fire was extinguished but the home sustained serious damage.
During an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad surveillance video was collected from the home, which allegedly showed Nixon approaching the side of the Coram residence, attempting to start the fire for several minutes before eventually succeeding in igniting a pile of leaves and debris adjacent to the residence.
On November 13, 2025, Nixon was allegedly spotted by a Suffolk County Police officer 350 feet from the scene of the fire, outside another residence. He was allegedly found with a crack pipe and a lighter and was placed under arrest.
On November 25, 2025, Nixon was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro for:
- One count of Arson in the Second Degree a Class B violent felony;
- One count of Arson in the Third Degree, a Class C felony; and
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
Justice Ambro ordered Nixon held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond or $1,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Nixon is due back in court on January 6, 2026, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Roger Rothman, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Cappiello of the Major Crime Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Detectives Steven Darling, Daniel Rossler, and Richard Brooks of the Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad.