Homeowner Charged With Arson

Antonio Alicata, 47, who lives on the ground floor of a two-story apartment building at 146 Orawaupum Street in White Plainswas accused of setting the building on fire.  He was charged with second-degree arson and first-degree reckless endangerment, both felonies, after an investigation by White Plains police and the Fire Department into the cause.  It was determined that he started fires in the basement and first floor.

The blaze was reported after 11 a.m. and was put out a short time later. Police said a woman and her child, who lived on the second floor had escaped without incident. Police said that both fires were set using candles and lighter fluid. The basement and first floor had smoke, water and fire damage. The residents have not been allowed to return.