Afton Man Accused of Setting Hospital Room on Fire
An Afton man is accused of setting fire in a hospital room in Otsego County.
New York State Police say 66-year-old Raymond Sidlauskas is charged with felony Arson in the second degree after a trash can at Bassett Hospital was set ablaze.
Troopers say they arrested Sidiauskas on Monday, October 17 after the fire caused tens of thousands of dollars-worth of damage to a hospital room and medical equipment.
Authorities say the blaze forced the evacuation of several rooms. Bassett Hospital officials say several staff, including nurses and a security guard had to be treated for smoke inhalation. A hospital spokeswoman says no patients were treated for injuries or smoke inhalation.
State Police say the fire was put out by Bassett Hospital employees.
Sidiauskas was taken to the Otsego County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.
Authorities have not said if the Afton man was undergoing treatment at the hospital when he allegedly lit the fire.