Altariq Nixon, 43, of Coram, has been accused of setting a late-night fire that damaged a home while two occupants were inside, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, November 25th.
“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 DA Ray 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.”
Investigators say that around 11:26 p.m. on November 13th, the homeowner smelled smoke coming from the garage of his Glenmere Lane residence. He and his wife evacuated and watched the fire spread as local police and fire departments responded.
While the blaze was contained, the house sustained extensive damage. Surveillance video obtained during the investigation showed who is alleged to be Nixon approaching the side of the home and repeatedly attempting to start a fire.
After several minutes, he appeared to ignite a pile of leaves and debris adjacent to the structure, which then spread.
Later that night, police officers found Nixon approximately 350 feet from the scene, outside another residence. According to authorities, he was in possession of a crack pipe and a lighter when officers approached — leading to his arrest.
Nixon was arraigned on November 25 before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro. He faces charges of Arson in the Second Degree, Arson in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.
Justice Ambro ordered him held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or a $1,000,000 partially secured bond.
Nixon is scheduled to appear in court again on January 6th, 2026. If convicted of the top charge, he faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.