Two buildings on South Seventh Avenue were heavily damaged by fire on Dec. 20, and police have charged a man with arson.
He is also charged with one count of fourth-degree arson, a felony. Shawn Gaillard, 33, of Mount Vernon, also faces one count of third-degree arson.
It was reported by police officers who were patrolling around 11:30 a.m. December. 20 spotted the house at 505 South Seventh Ave. on fire, with the fire extending to the next-door residence.
The officers were able to safely remove one resident from 507 South Seventh Ave.
After receiving aid from the fire departments of New Rochelle, Pelham, and Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Fire Department was able to contain the fire to the buildings at 505 and 507 South Seventh Ave. There was significant damage to both structures, according to police.
A fire investigation conducted by the Mount Vernon Fire Department and by an arson investigator with the Westchester County Police determined that the fire was set intentionally.
On Wednesday, Gaillard was arrested. Westchester County Jail is holding him pending further action by the courts.
