A car fire near a building and electric pole turned into a standoff Sunday after police said a Hornell man threatened firefighters with a knife while they tried to put out the flames.
John H. Holiday, 25, was arrested Monday, June 29, after the incident on Canisteo Street, according to the City of Hornell Police Department.
Police said officers were called to the area around 1:15 p.m. Sunday, June 28, for a report that a man had intentionally set a vehicle on fire. The car was near an electric pole and a building, creating a broader public safety concern as firefighters arrived.
Investigators said Holiday threatened firefighters with a knife as they worked to extinguish the fire. Police said officers had to hold him back and contain him so crews could safely put out the flames.
The incident led to a brief standoff, according to police. Officers eventually convinced Holiday to drop the knife, and he was taken into custody.
Police said Holiday was later taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation. After he was released, he was processed and taken to the Steuben County Jail to await arraignment.
Holiday was charged with third-degree arson, a class C felony; three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, class D felonies; second-degree menacing, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and obstructing firefighting operations, all class A misdemeanors.
Police did not report any injuries in the release.
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