YONKERS — Police say a tenant who was being evicted has been arrested on arson charges in a blaze at a suburban home that killed a Yonkers firefighter.
Westchester officials say Rafael Roldan has been charged with second-degree murder, second-degree arson and second-degree burglary. He is being held at the Westchester County Department of Corrections. Formal charges will be filed Monday at Yonkers Criminal Court.
Firefighter Patrick Joyce died about 2 a.m. Friday. Officials say Joyce, a second firefighter, and a lieutenant were searching for victims. The intense heat and smoke either knocked them out of a third-floor window or they jumped.
Lt. Joseph Murray and Firefighter William Kanych (KAN’-ihk) are in serious but stable condition.