Man arrested in Manhattan in 2023 arson of 173-year-old Brooklyn church

NEW YORK — A man accused of intentionally setting fire to a 173-year-old church in Brooklyn was arrested early Tuesday at a Manhattan grocery store after an off-duty police officer working security caught him attempting to leave without paying for merchandise, according to the New York Post. Officers detained John Jones at a Broadway store around 1:39 a.m. after he allegedly tried to walk out with a turkey sandwich, a box of Coca-Cola and several doughnuts without paying, the Post reported. A check of his identification revealed an outstanding warrant for arson in connection with the South Bushwick Reformed Church fire. Investigators suspect Jones of starting the June 19 blaze at the church, which escalated to a three-alarm fire and destroyed the building’s historic tower. The interior sustained heavy damage, and the congregation lost its place of worship, officials said. No further details about a possible motive or upcoming court appearance were immediately available.