From ABC7 New York · · 50s
Mineola man charged for apartment fire exposing chemical lab
Man faces arson charges after fire reveals illegal chemical lab in NYC apartment.
In brief
Man faces arson charges after fire reveals illegal chemical lab in NYC apartment. Nolan Gaugler, 34, charged with arson after fire exposed his apartment's chemical lab containing unstable mixtures. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Fire breaks out
A fire erupted in a Mineola apartment after a chemical experiment went wrong.
“He had a runaway chemical reaction that he was trying to dispose of, and he dropped it in the hallway and it lit the hallway on fire”
Chemical lab discovered
Police found professional lab equipment and unstable chemicals in the apartment.
“There's tables with professional lab grade glassware, Bunsen burners, stirrers that you would only find in a chem laboratory were all in his bedroom”
Arrested for arson
Nolan Gaugler, 34, charged with arson after police say he started the fire.
“Nolan Gaugler, 34, was arraigned after authorities alleged he started a fire during what police described as a chemistry experiment in his apartment”
Unstable mixtures
Some chemicals were explosive and required immediate safety measures.
“Some of the mixtures were determined to be unstable and explosive, according to law enforcement”
Evacuation
Residents evacuated the building after the fire started at 2:30 a.m.
“Residents of the building on Lincoln Avenue in Mineola were evacuated for hours at 2:30 a.m. while authorities responded to the scene”
Charges and release
Gaugler released with ankle monitor after pleading not guilty.
“Gaugler pleaded not guilty and was released with an ankle monitor”
The headline
Nolan Gaugler, 34, charged with arson after fire exposed his apartment's chemical lab containing unstable mixtures.
