Firebug with Lengthy Criminal Record Charged for Alleged Molotov Cocktail Attack on Brooklyn Store

Isidro Aquino, 39, accused of setting a clothing store ablaze, injuring one firefighter

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:58am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a partially melted, charred, and distorted plastic bottle against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of an arson attack.The aftermath of an alleged arson attack using an improvised incendiary device exposes the dangerous escalation of a repeat offender's criminal behavior.Brooklyn Today

A 39-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, including 15 prior arrests, has been charged with arson and burglary for allegedly hurling a Molotov cocktail that set a Brooklyn clothing store on fire, injuring one firefighter. Isidro Aquino is accused of entering the building through a rear door and starting the blaze, which also impacted a neighboring e-bike factory.

Why it matters

Repeat offenders with histories of violence and property crimes can pose significant public safety risks, especially when they escalate to using incendiary devices. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing persistent criminal behavior and the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent such dangerous acts.

The details

According to authorities, the three-alarm fire broke out around 1:45 p.m. on Sunday inside a building on Fort Hamilton Parkway in the Borough Park neighborhood. Aquino allegedly threw the Molotov cocktail, sparking the blaze that ravaged the clothing store and sent smoke billowing into the adjacent e-bike factory. Firefighters initially thought the fire started in the e-bike factory, but later determined the origin was the clothing store. One firefighter suffered minor injuries, but no civilians were hurt.

  • The fire was reported around 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Aquino was arrested at the fire scene after being released from the hospital for public intoxication around 11 p.m. the same day.

The players

Isidro Aquino

A 39-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record, including 15 prior arrests, who is accused of setting a Brooklyn clothing store on fire using a Molotov cocktail.

FDNY Assistant Chief Michael Meyers

A fire department official who provided details about the incident and the firefighting response.

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What they’re saying

“'They had heavy smoke pushing out from the doorways. It wound up not being there [but] in the commercial occupancy next door. It wound up being large amounts of stock that were on fire. Fire began to burn through that stock, burn up through the floor, and the fire eventually extended up through the building and through the roof.'”

— Michael Meyers, FDNY Assistant Chief

What’s next

Aquino's arraignment on the arson and burglary charges was pending as of Monday evening.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing repeat offenders with histories of violence and property crimes, particularly when they escalate to using dangerous incendiary devices. It highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent such dangerous acts and protect public safety.