Sommelier Caleb Ganzer Accused Of Setting Fires To Outdoor Dining Structures In Lower Manhattan
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A well-known wine expert faces arson charges and is accused of setting fire to outdoor dining structures in Lower Manhattan.
The most recent incident was caught on surveillance video at Prince Street Pizza.
Fire Marshals said Caleb Ganzer, 35, is seen setting the fire and walking away on July 13.
FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced today that Fire Marshals have arrested Caleb Ganzer, 35, for allegedly setting fire to outdoor dining structures and rubbish in Manhattan in January, June, and July of this year. Read more: https://t.co/JcOkWAKPZ1 pic.twitter.com/ZJ3rCIgiJ0
— FDNY (@FDNY) July 28, 2021
Ganzer is accused in two more fires, including one at Forsythia Restaurant on Stanton Street that caused $3,500 worth of damage.
"Initially, it was frustration and disappointment," said Jacob Siwak, owner of Forsythia Restaurant. "We're trying to have empathy for someone like him in this moment."
"It's not about the money, it's about the feeling. I spent three weeks building that. I did it myself," said Prince Street Pizza manager Tony Sosa.
"Food and Wine Magazine" named Ganzer "Sommelier of the Year" in 2017.
Ganzer is now on leave from the restaurant where he worked.
No one was hurt in the fires.