Four Teens Charged in Destructive Arson at Historic Tarrytown Lighthouse

By Rockland Daily Staff

Four teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with a shocking act of vandalism and arson at the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow, as reported on Rockland Daily.

Authorities say the destruction, which caused an estimated $100,000 in damages, included a fire that tore through the interior of the 19th-century landmark, as well as extensive damage to antiques, windows, and rare books.

According to the Westchester County Police Department, two of the suspects,  18-year-old Elvin Ayavaca of White Plains and 19-year-old Richard Barrero of Harrison, were arraigned this week in Sleepy Hollow Village Court. Both face felony charges of third-degree arson, third-degree burglary, and second-degree criminal mischief. They were released on their own recognizance and are scheduled to return to court on Monday.

A third suspect, a 17-year-old also from White Plains, has been charged as a juvenile and appeared in the Youth Part of Westchester County Court. His name has not been released due to his age. He was also released but placed under curfew restrictions and is due back in court on July 22.

A fourth individual believed to be involved has been identified, and officials say he surrendered with his attorney.

Officials detailed the extent of the damage, which includes:

• Burned flooring on the first floor
• Broken windows on both the first and second floors
• Destruction of antiques and historically significant furniture
• Roughly 35 antique books removed and thrown to the floor, many damaged

The Westchester County Parks Department has suspended all public tours of the lighthouse while a full damage assessment is underway. The case is being investigated by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety with help from the Sleepy Hollow Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Craig Ascher and Hazem Ennabi of the Westchester DA’s Office.

The Tarrytown Lighthouse, also known as the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, was built in the early 1880s and stands as a vital piece of Hudson Valley maritime history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.