Suspect Sets Standoff Fire, but N.Y. Trooper Makes Window Rescue

An Upstate New York man has been arrested after intentionally setting a home on fire during a standoff, leading a New York State Trooper to rescue him through a window.

State police say troopers and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies were responding to a fire alarm and disturbance at an apartment building near Binghamton late Saturday night. Michael J. Stephens, 46, of Endicott, N.Y., intentionally started a fire in his apartment upon their arrival, police said, and brandished a knife.

Stephens allegedly menaced troopers and deputies with his knife and then retreated into the apartment, refusing to leave despite the blaze. He began to suffer from smoke inhalation, police said.

While Stephens was near a window, a trooper was able to climb up a ladder, enter through the window and remove Stephens from the residence, police said. Stephens was transported by ambulance to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

After treatment, Stephens was transported to the Broome County Correctional Facility for Centralized Arraignment. He’s been charged with arson in the second degree and menacing a police office, both felonies.

His arrest was announced Tuesday. Police did not say if anyone else was in the apartment when the incident occurred.

The fire was extinguished by members of the Endwell Fire Department, Vestal Fire Department, Endicott Fire Department and West Corners Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

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