ELMIRA — A 76-year-old Elmira resident has been arrested and charged with arson following a fire at St. Joseph’s Apartments early Wednesday morning.
The Chemung County E-911 Communications Center received notification of a fire alarm activation at the apartment complex, located at 550 E. Church St., around 7 a.m. on April 30.
Elmira Fire Department personnel responded to the scene, where they located and contained a working fire that originated from an occupied apartment on the fifth floor of the building.
Elmira Police Officers and members of the Elmira Police Department Detective Bureau arrived on scene and were informed that an accelerant was detected and the origin of the fire was suspicious.
Through investigation, Martin Beebe was arrested and charged with Arson in the Second Degree, a class B Felony.
Beebe remains in the custody of the Elmira Police Department pending arraignment in Elmira City Court.
The Elmira Police Department was assisted by the Elmira Fire Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
No injuries were reported to 911 or EMS personnel on scene.
Displaced tenants are being assisted by property management and the local American Red Cross office.
