LEVITTOWN, N.Y. (1010 WINS) – Nassau County police are investigating a suspected arson after a flaming man was seen running from a burning porta potty outside a newly constructed home in Levittown.
The fiery sight unfolded around 4:30 a.m. Saturday at a construction site on Sprucewood Drive, police said.
A man "was seen running on fire" out of a driveway, eastbound on Sprucewood Drive and into the night, according to cops.
As this was happening, a porta potty on the front lawn was also engulfed in flames.
The portable toilet "sustained heavy fire damage," while the home had minor fire damage as well, police said.
The Wantagh Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.
No injuries have been reported to police.
A Google Street View image from October shows the home under construction--and the porta potty that was apparently set on fire.Google Street View
The charred outline of where the porta potty used to stand--and the remains of the toilet itself--were seen outside the home Wednesday.
A contractor who has been working on the brand-new house told 1010 WINS on Wednesday that the damage to the home appears to be superficial and not structural.
"Been in business over 16 years and never seen anything like it," he said.
This is the second issue at the site in two months, according to the contractor.
"We did have one theft of electrical wires, someone was seen prowling around the property," he said. "There's construction all over the place, but for some reason they've been targeting this property."
While there is surveillance video showing the suspect running from the scene with his pants on fire, it doesn't appear to be usable footage.
"Fortunately for us, the neighbors all have Ring cameras, and we were able to catch some footage, but it's just not clear enough," the contractor said.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or 911.
