Hurricane Sandy Aftermath: NY firefighter charged with arson for allegedly setting two cars on fire while siphoning gas

(CBS/WCBS) FREEPORT, N.Y. - Police say they arrested New York firefighter Monday who allegedly set two cars on fire while trying to illegally siphon gas from a fire department vehicle to his car.

Steven Pena, 23, was arrested at a firehouse on Leonard Avenue in Freeport and charged with arson, CBS New York reports.

According to the station, Nassau County police say the firefighter attempted to use an electric vacuum to siphon gas from a Village of Freeport Fire Department vehicle to his car. During the process, electricity set the gas on fire, and the blaze spread to both cars.

Two of the department's firefighters suffered minor injuries while fighting the blaze and other vehicles were destroyed, police reportedly said.

Pena is scheduled to be arraigned in Hempstead Tuesday, CBS New York reports.

Residents of New York and New Jersey have been frustrated by hours long lines and rationing at gas stations during a severe gas shortage in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.