On July 5th, 2022 at about 7:09pm the Waterloo Police Department responded to 111 North Virginia Street for the report of a structure fire. When officers arrived there were flames and black smoke showing on the front of the building. The Waterloo Fire Department responded and were able to quickly extinguish the fire which stayed on the exterior of the building. The Seneca County Fire Investigation Team was contacted and responded. Upon investigation it was found that the fire was caused by a lit cigarette which was left on a tray of cigarette butts on top of a water cooler, causing a fire to ignite. The fire then spread to the building causing damage to the exterior of the lower and upper apartments which were both occupied. All of the occupants were able to get out of the building without injuries. The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol and Criminal Investigation Division assisted at the scene as well as Seneca County Code Enforcement, North Seneca Ambulance and Seneca County Emergency Management..
As a result of the investigation the Waterloo Police Department arrested Derrick E. Smith, age 24, of 111 North Virginia Street Apt 5 Waterloo, NY. Smith was charged with Reckless Endangerment and Arson in the 4th degree. Smith was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Village of Waterloo Court on 8-3-22 at 5:00pm.