Long Island man throws chemical mixture in apartment hallway, igniting fire, police say

A Long Island man is facing arson charges after he threw a chemical mixture into the hallway of his apartment building while conducting an experiment.

Police and fire departments were called just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday to 125 Lincoln Ave. in Mineola for a fire in the third-floor hallway.

The Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad said Nolan Gaugler, 34, was doing an unknown chemistry experiment when the mixture reacted violently. Gaugler allegedly threw it outside his apartment and started a fire that damaged the floor and hallway.

"Of course it was dangerous, you're mixing chemicals inside an apartment building," said Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro. 

During the investigation, law enforcement officials said a large quantity of chemicals and laboratory equipment were found in Gaugler's apartment. Some of them were determined to be unstable and explosive, officials said.

"A lot of things this gentleman was doing, you should be doing in a lab," Uttaro said. 'It absolutely had the potential to be even worse, especially given what the arson team and hazmat found in his apartment" 

Fire officials said they found a homemade ventilation system, gas masks and a large quantity of chemicals, including flammable materials, acids and substances that can react with water. 

"While you can purchase innocent chemicals, you can turn them into other stuff that are not safe," said Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Michael Mennella.

Fire officials said the level of danger was moderate to high as Gaugler was working on at least four different chemical processes.

"It's the first time I have seen someone do all of them at the same time," Mennella said. 

Fire officials said some of the materials were so unstable that hazmat crews had to remove them, and the bomb squad detonated some.   

Residents of the building were temporarily evacuated during the fire.

Neighbor Nicole Chicarelli said she was worried for her almost 4-month-old baby.

"The concern is about the fumes, and the smoke, and things of that nature that may impact us," she said.

Another person said there was smoke all over the building, and "everyone was scared about the chemicals." 

Gaugler was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, arson and criminal possession of a weapon. 

He was arraigned Monday and pleaded not guilty. Gaugler was released with an ankle monitor. Officials said he was already on parole for burglary and robbery.