Fugitive Wanted for Arson Arrested in NYC with Truck Full of Laughing Gas

Police say Sean McDermott had a cache of nitrous oxide canisters and resisted arrest in Times Square

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 36-year-old Long Island man accused of burning down four homes in the Pocono Mountains was arrested in New York City with a truck full of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Sean McDermott faces a host of charges, including arson, resisting arrest, and possession of a controlled substance after police found 52 canisters of nitrous oxide in the U-Haul truck he was driving.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of arson and the potential for suspects to flee across state lines, as well as the growing problem of the recreational use of nitrous oxide, which can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. The arrest also raises questions about mental health issues potentially driving the suspect's alleged actions.

The details

According to police, McDermott was wanted on felony arson charges for setting fire to his townhome, which then spread to three other homes in the Pocono Mountains. A witness told police that McDermott "stated he needed to kill the spiders within the residence." McDermott then fled in a U-Haul truck, which was spotted by the NYPD on Wednesday night. The truck was found to contain 52 canisters of nitrous oxide, and McDermott resisted arrest when police located him near Times Square. In addition to the arson charges, he now faces a host of other charges including resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of noxious material.

  • On Wednesday night, the NYPD received an alert from police in Pennsylvania and New Jersey about a U-Haul truck driven by a male suspect that might be headed to New York City.
  • Just before 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, police found McDermott near Times Square at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.

The players

Sean McDermott

A 36-year-old man from Brookhaven, Long Island who is accused of burning down four homes in the Pocono Mountains and was arrested in New York City with a truck full of nitrous oxide.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department

The police department that had issued felony arson charges against McDermott for the fires in the Pocono Mountains.

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What’s next

McDermott will face a judge in New York City to determine if he will be allowed bail as he awaits extradition to Pennsylvania and New Jersey to face the arson charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the serious public safety risks posed by arsonists and the illegal use of dangerous substances like nitrous oxide. It also highlights the importance of cross-jurisdictional law enforcement cooperation to apprehend suspects who flee across state lines.