Long Island Man Pleads Guilty to Arson After Being Ejected From Bar
Paul Lucia faces up to 10 years in prison for setting a bar ablaze following an altercation over a photo.
A man has pleaded guilty to arson and other charges for setting a Long Island bar on fire after being ejected for taking a photo of a staff member. Paul Lucia, 60, of Islip, admitted to intentionally igniting Riley Fibbers Pub & Restaurant in East Islip last November.
The incident occurred on the evening of November 20, 2025, when Lucia took a photograph of a staff member at the bar. Prosecutors stated that when workers asked him to leave due to the unsolicited photo, Lucia became irate. He then left the establishment in a white Jeep.
Surveillance footage later showed Lucia returning to the bar approximately two hours later with a gas can and a lighter. According to authorities, he poured accelerant behind the restaurant while it was still occupied by staff and patrons. Flames erupted shortly after, and Lucia discarded the gas can onto a neighboring property before fleeing in the Jeep.
The fire caused damage to an outside awning and the kitchen area of Riley Fibbers. No injuries were reported.
Authorities recovered a gas can cap near the bar and the can on an adjacent property. The following day, law enforcement officers apprehended Lucia driving the same white Jeep on Sunrise Highway. The lighter used in the arson was also found in the vehicle. Investigators also determined that the Jeep's license plates had been reported stolen a week prior to the incident.
On Tuesday, Lucia pleaded guilty to charges including second-degree arson, third-degree arson, and two counts of fifth-degree criminal mischief.
"The defendant admitted to intentionally setting fire to a local business, risking the lives of staff and patrons inside," stated Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. "Violent crimes such as this will never be tolerated. The prison term he now faces holds the defendant accountable for what could have easily turned into an enormous tragedy."
Lucia is scheduled to appear in court again on November 12, where he faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision.