The Suffolk County Police Department has arrested a Babylon man and charged him with Burglary 3 rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 2 nd Degree, and Attempted Arson 2 nd Degree for crimes committed at the Babylon Carriage House Restaurant on Sunday, November 15, 2009.  

First Squad and Arson Squad detectives determined that Douglas Hopkins, 20, of 614 Morrison St. , Babylon , a former employee of the restaurant, entered the establishment through a rear door. He smashed office equipment and electronics, and placed combustible items on top of lit stove burners. This caused them to ignite and filled the restaurant with smoke.  

A restaurant manager was alerted to Hopkins ’ presence by noise and the activation of the fire alarm system. He secured the doors with Hopkins still within and called police. First Precinct officers and Babylon Fire Department firefighters responded. Hopkins was arrested and the fire was extinguished.            

Hopkins will be held at the First Precinct pending arraignment at First District Court, Central Islip , on Monday, November 16, 2009.  

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.