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Investigation underway into arson of Massapequa home; police continue search for missing resident
“I wasn’t home when the fire broke out and came home after it was put out, said Roberto Giancaterino, who has lived next door at number 304 Massapequa Avenue for 30 years. “I don’t know what happened, but I thought of him as a friend.” According to Giancaterino, the Johnson’s were a “nice couple” that had a 12-year old daughter, adding more mystery to the circumstances that stunned neighbors and friends, and left police stymied as to Johnson’s whereabouts. The fire broke out at approximately 11:30 a.m., Thursday, December 7. Massapequa Fire Chief Tom Kennelly said that it was apparent to first arriving units that something was amiss. “There was the strong odor of gasoline as soon as I rolled up to the scene,” he said. “And there was a bulge on the north side of the home.” Generally, that indicates some type of an explosion, according to other fire officials.
“There was heavy fire in the first floor, which we knocked down right away, and pockets of fire throughout the top of the house,” said Kennelly whose volunteers, assisted by North Massapequa and Seaford, had the fire down within minutes. Firefighters and emergency personnel did what they could to save the animals. A dog was found unharmed in the garage, and a rabbit was given oxygen at the scene and survived. NassauCounty Police said that Johnson’ s wife and daughter have been located and are fine, and a that tenant, who was not at home at the time the fire started, has also been located. As for Johnson, police reports have him last seen entering the water below the Robert Moses Bridge in Suffolk moments after the blaze. His car was found parked near a sand dune and police have listed him as a missing person. Suffolk County Marine Units, along with other departments conducted a search of the area with no results. Anyone with information is being asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-242-TIPS. Signs of the apparently happy home life could still be seen amidst the ashes of the home that was boarded up following the blaze. A basketball hoop, a back yard pool and woodland animal statues tucked into the bushes point to a time when those living there were enjoying life. “He was a normal guy...a nice guy who did construction work,” said Giancaterino. “I don’t know what happened.” “There are still a lot of unanswered questions said Vincent McManus, Investigations Supervisor with the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office. But something happened and despite some of the initial reports that point to the fact that Johnson likely started the fire and then committed suicide, Giancaterino said he’s not so sure. “That’s what the news says, but I don’t know,” said Giancaterino shaking his head in disbelief. Another neighbor said she was surprised because her block has always been a quiet, family place.
“Why would someone do that?” she asked before walking away with her dog. She declined to give her name.
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