Brooklyn Man Arrested for Setting Church and Residential Building on Fire

BROOKLYN, NY - A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Bryan Oviedo with setting fire to a church and a residential apartment building on August 20, 2025. Oviedo was arrested in Brooklyn on Saturday, September 13, 2025, and is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Robert M. Levy.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Robert S. Tucker, Commissioner, New York City Fire Department (FDNY), announced the arrest and charge.

"As alleged in the complaint, Oviedo went on a pre-dawn spree in residential neighborhoods in Brooklyn during which he set fire to multiple buildings, including a church and a residential building, while families slept inside, endangering lives and causing first responders to race to the scenes of these arsons," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "Our Office will vigorously prosecute this type of violent conduct, and work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our most sacred places, including homes and places of worship."

"This arrest marks a critical step in restoring safety and peace of mind to our community," stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller. "The collaborative efforts between law enforcement, fire investigators, and the public were instrumental in bringing this individual to justice. We remain committed working with our Federal and State partners to hold accountable those who threaten lives and property through acts of deliberate destruction."

"While New Yorkers were asleep in the dead of night, Bryan Oviedo allegedly put them and their neighbors in grave danger by lighting their residences and a church on fire," stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. "Our homes and houses of worship stand as walls of safety for every community, and I am thankful for the quick response of the police officers and firefighters who put their lives at risk to contain these flames. The NYPD will continue to work with our partners in the FDNY, ATF, and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure this arsonist is held fully accountable."

"Arson is a reckless crime that places innocent New Yorkers and our first responders in harm's way," stated FDNY Commissioner Tucker. "Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our Fire Marshals, the NYPD, the ATF, and the U.S Attorney's Office, this dangerous perpetrator has been removed from the City's streets and will be brought to justice. This arrest demonstrates the strength of our public safety partnerships and how, together, we keep New Yorkers safe every day."

As set forth in the complaint, between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on August 20, 2025, Oviedo was captured on surveillance video carrying a trash bag, wearing a distinctive skirt, riding the G train, and walking the streets setting fires to approximately 20 buildings across the Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York. One surveillance video shows him leaning over a trash can under the columns of a church, located at 520 Clinton Avenue, and lighting the trash can on fire, causing substantial damage to the church. Another surveillance video shows a porch area of a residential building located at 870 Pacific Street erupting in flames after Oviedo approaches in his distinct garb.

The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Oviedo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment, and a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment.

The government's case is being handled by the Office's General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Reich and Andy Palacio are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

BRYAN OVIEDO
Age: 32
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-268