Mineola Man Arrested After Chemical Experiment Sparks Apartment Fire

A Long Island man set his apartment building ablaze after a home chemistry experiment went wrong at 2:30 a.m. Sunday. Residents were evacuated for hours.

Chemistry Experiment Turns Dangerous in Mineola Apartment Complex

A 34-year-old Long Island man faces arson and weapons charges after a home chemistry experiment ignited a fire in the hallway of his Mineola apartment building early Sunday morning, NY Post Metro reports.

Nolan Gaugler was allegedly mixing hazardous chemicals as part of an "unknown chemistry experiment" around 2:30 a.m. when the blend "reacted violently," Nassau County police said. Gaugler then allegedly panicked and threw the mixture into the building's hallway, where it burst into flames.

Photos of the aftermath show fire damage to sections of the floor and walls. Residents were evacuated from the building and remained outside for hours while arson and bomb squad units investigated the scene.

Inside Gaugler's apartment, which was fitted with laboratory equipment, authorities found a large quantity of chemicals. Some of the substances were determined to be unstable and explosive and were transported to a separate location to be safely detonated.

Gaugler was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, arson, and criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty on Monday and was released on an ankle monitor, according to court records.

Source: NY Post Metro