By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-05 15:51:19 | Updated at 2026-08-05 16:52:39
1 hour ago
A firebug suspected of torching a landmarked 173-year-old Brooklyn church was busted when an eagle-eyed cop spotted him shoplifting a turkey sandwich and donuts from CVS, sources said.
John Jones, 24, tried to swipe a free meal with a Coke to wash it down in the Broadway store at about 1:39 a.m. but the off-duty cop, who was working a security shift, took him into custody, sources said.
Cops ran Jones through the system and realized that he was wanted on a warrant for the torching the South Bushwick Reformed Church, according to sources.
Authorities had been eyeing Jones as the alleged arsonist behind a three-alarm fire that torched the historical house of worship on June 19, sources said.
The blaze decimated the church’s historic spire and destroyed thousands of artifacts, according to activists.
According to sources, the alleged perp had been caught on camera fleeing the church not too long before it burst into flames.
Jones has a federal complaint out against him in the Eastern District of New York, sources said.
He was also slapped with criminal mischief charges after he smashed a television at Williamsburg restaurant DOC Wine on June 28 in Brooklyn, causing $900 in damages, sources said.
It’s unclear what Jones has been charged with.
