The Ithaca Arthaus apartments located in Ithaca’s West End experienced two separate arson incidents within a span of just two days. The first incident occurred on November 17, 2023, at 4:00 AM, prompting a response from the Ithaca Police Department and the Ithaca Fire Department.
Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered a fire in one of the apartments at 130 Cherry Street. New York State Fire Investigators, Ithaca Fire Department Arson Investigators, and Ithaca Police Investigators cooperated to respond to the incident.
The fire resulted in non-life-threatening injuries for one individual. The blaze left numerous residents displaced by smoke & water damage, with the American Red Cross stepping in to provide assistance.
Upon investigation, authorities determined that the fire was intentionally set. The resident of the affected apartment, identified as 42-year-old Natasha Thomas of Ithaca, now faces charges of Arson in the Second Degree, a Class B Felony. Thomas has been remanded to the Tompkins County jail on $10,000 bail.
Approximately 36 hours later, on November 18, 2023, at about 3:40 PM, emergency services responded once again to the Ithaca Arthaus for another reported apartment fire. Ithaca Police Officers, Ithaca Fire Department personnel, and Bangs Ambulance responded to the scene.
Following an investigation by the Ithaca Police Department and Ithaca Fire Investigators, it was determined that this second fire was also intentionally set. The resident of the apartment where the fire originated, 48-year-old Brandon Hricko of Ithaca, now faces charges of Arson in the Second Degree. Hricko was also remanded to the Tompkins County Jail.
It is unclear what is motivating these alleged arson incidents. An additional fire occurred in a 4th floor apartment around 12:30 AM on October 28th. Sprinkler system activation was reported to have caused extensive water damage to multiple floors. The cause of this fire is unknown.
The Ithaca Arthaus has been plagued with issues since it first began accepting residents two years ago in November of 2021.
Anyone with knowledge regarding these incidents are encouraged to contact the Ithaca Police Department via the following means:
Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245
Police Administration: 607-272-9973
Police Tipline: 607-330-0000
Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips