Driver outraged over traffic ticket sets fire to cop’s home – he tracked him down hours after he was stopped
THE home of a state trooper’s father was set on fire by a driver enraged over traffic tickets.
Tyler Williams, 26, is accused of intentionally setting the home in Warwick, New York – about 50 miles east of Manhattan – on fire in December 2023.
Tyler Williams, 26, was charged with arson after he allegedly set fire to the childhood home of a New York State Trooper late last yearCBS News
Williams allegedly set the fire after the trooper issued him a traffic ticketCBS News
Orange County DA's OfficeInvestigators say he searched the trooper’s name to find personal information, ultimately finding the trooper’s childhood home where his father lived[/caption]
He has since been charged with arson, according to the Warwick Police Department.
“It’s incomprehensible to think that we would be targeted, and our families and our homes would be targeted,” said Warwick Police Chief John Rader.
The fire happened a few hours after the trooper gave Williams a ticket, according to the Orange County district attorney.
“He researched the trooper’s name, found an address in Warwick, and went to that house to intentionally start the fire,” said Rader.
Everyone inside the home was able to escape without injuries, however, workers are still repairing the damage nearly half a year later.
Residents were shocked to hear of the allegations against Williams.
“My son-in-law is NYPD and they are concerned. Police officers are often concerned about people trying to take revenge, but doing it against his father, that is really the lowest of low,” Allen Clarkson, a neighbor, told CBS News.
“I’m so upset because we’ve been neighbors for 20 years and they are great people,” said another resident, Mildred Garcia, told WABC-TV.
Investigators were able to get search warrants for computer and smartphone data and found that Williams allegedly searched personal information about the trooper and found his childhood home.
“We will not tolerate this type of reprehensible behavior in which a member of law enforcement was targeted for simply carrying out his duty,” said New York State Troop Commander Michael Sumnick.
It’s incomprehensible to think that we would be targeted, and our families and our homes would be targeted.
John RaderWarwick Police Chief
The president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association issued a statement regarding Williams’ arrest.
“The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association is outraged by the alleged revenge arson to our Trooper’s father’s home in Warwick over a traffic ticket issued by the Trooper,” the statement read.
“New York State Troopers encounter danger every day they put on their uniform to serve and protect the public. Every call for help is unpredictable and no day is ever ‘routine.’ After selflessly risking their own safety to help others, our members should not have to worry about being hunted down by disgruntled individuals, nor should society stand for such reprehensible acts.
“Harming or targeting New York State Troopers and their families is never acceptable.”
The association thanked the investigators for their work on the case, leading to Williams’ arrest.
“As the union representing New York State Troopers, we will continue to support our dedicated Trooper – who continues to bravely help others – and his family during this difficult time.”
Williams made a short appearance in court on Wednesday where he pleaded not guilty.
He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail without bail.
His next court date is scheduled for May 21.
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