The Brooklyn teen accused of setting a fire that killed a city police officer last weekend will now be charged second degree murder.
The upgraded charge is being brought against Marcell Dockery, 16, because the initial act of arson led to the death of Officer Dennis Guerra, 38.
Dockery is already charged with arson, assault and reckless endangerment.
Sources say there was a video statement made by the teen explaining how he set a mattress on fire inside a Coney Island building on Sunday.
Officer Guerra died Wednesday after suffering smoke inhalation while responding to the fire on Sunday.
His partner, Rosa Rodriguez, remains in critical condition.
In a statement, Patrolman’s Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch said, “While we are pleased that the Brooklyn District Attorney has seen fit to increase the charges to felony murder, we recognize that it will not bring our fellow officer, Dennis Guerra, back to our ranks, or a husband, father and son back to his family. At very least, it will start us on the road to achieving justice in this case.”
Meantime, the NYPD issued a memo about fire safety to police earlier this week.
It says officers should use the stairs when possible. But if they use an elevator, they should get off two floors below the fire.
The memo also urges officers to look into elevator shafts for smoke and keep in contact with dispatchers.
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via Great Local News: New York http://ift.tt/1iZiLP1
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