Broome County Man Accused of Attempting to Set Gas Station Employee on Fire

A Colesville man has been apprehended on multiple felony charges following a dangerous and violent spree that authorities say included an attempted arson at a gas station and a burglary at a fire station.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has released details of the incidents, painting a troubling picture of the events that unfolded earlier this week.

Robbery and Attempt at Arson

On the evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Broome County Sheriff's Deputies rushed to the scene of a robbery in progress at the Sunoco Gas Station / Empire Halal Gyro Food Store located on Sova Road in Harpursville. The incident quickly escalated beyond a mere robbery when the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Brody W. Kenyon of Colesville, attempted an unthinkable act of violence against an employee.

According to the investigation, Kenyon demanded various items upon entering the store, including a Zippo lighter and lighter fluid. Authorities say Kenyon then doused the gas station employee with lighter fluid and tried to ignite him on fire. The attempt thankfully failed to cause direct harm to the employee, but the lighter fluid did catch fire on the floor, damaging a nearby ATM before it could be extinguished. Kenyon then stole several items, including a light green sweatshirt, and fled the scene on foot.

Response and Arrest

Responding patrols, armed with a description of Kenyon provided by the victim, began a search for him. Kenyon was spotted and apprehended in a grassy area near I-88 westbound and Martin Hill Road, still wearing the stolen sweatshirt, leading to his immediate arrest.

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Charges Filed

Brody W. Kenyon faces a slew of serious charges, including:

• Arson, 2nd Degree - classified as a Class B Felony.
• Assault with Intent to Cause Serious Injury with a Weapon, 1st Degree - categorized as a Class B Felony.
• Robbery, 1st Degree - designated as a Class B Felony.
• Reckless Endangerment, 1st Degree - identified as a Class D Felony.

Kenyon was arraigned at Central Arraignment Part and is currently being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

Additional Charges

The saga didn't end there. On April 10, 2024, deputies were called to the Harpursville Fire Station 432 on Route 7, following reports of an attempted burglary that had occurred the previous night. The suspect had tried to gain access to the fire station, leaving behind substantial damage. Security camera footage from the fire station placed Kenyon at the scene, just 40 minutes before the gas station robbery, wearing the same attire minus the stolen sweatshirt.

Kenyon, already in custody, received additional charges:

• Attempted Burglary in the 3rd Degree, a Class D Felony
• Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor