A Newfane man faces multiple felony charges after police say he threw a Molotov cocktail at his ex-girlfriend's Albion residence while she and two young children were inside.
According to the Albion Police Department, officers began investigating around 3 a.m. Aug. 1 after a village resident reported receiving threatening text messages and emails from her ex-boyfriend. Police said the messages included threats to harm the woman and set her home on fire.
Suspect arrested after foot pursuit
During the investigation, officers confirmed the suspect was prohibited from contacting the victim under a full stay-away order of protection.
About 4 a.m., a K-9 officer responded to the victim's apartment complex and spotted a suspicious vehicle parked outside. As the officer approached the residence,
he saw a man leaving the rear of the property who fled on foot.
After a brief chase, officers arrested the suspect without incident at a neighboring apartment complex. Police later determined the suspicious vehicle was the suspect's Uber ride to the scene.
Police say incendiary device damaged home
Officers said they found a suspected Molotov cocktail behind the residence that had been ignited and thrown at the building. The device had burned itself out before officers arrived, but investigators observed fire damage to the home.
Police identified the suspect as Marquis J. Harrell, 22, of Newfane. Officers said they recovered additional evidence during a search following his arrest.
Charges and court appearance
Harrell is charged with:
- First-degree arson
- First-degree criminal mischief
- Four counts of first-degree reckless endangerment
- Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child
- Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon
- Two counts of criminal contempt
Police said Harrell was arraigned in CAP Court and remanded to the Orleans County Jail without bail because of the seriousness of the charges.
A new order of protection was issued for the victim and her two children, who police said were inside the residence at the time of the incident.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Man accused of throwing Molotov cocktail at ex-girlfriend's home
