What Happened
The Nassau County Police Department’s Arson Bomb Squad reports the arrest of a Mineola man following a fire at 125 Lincoln Avenue in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026, at approximately 2:38 a.m.
According to detectives, police and fire departments responded to the address for a fire in the third-floor hallway of a residential apartment building. The suspect, Nolan Gaugler, 34, a resident of apartment B3C, was allegedly conducting an unidentified chemistry experiment when the mixture reacted violently. Gaugler is accused of taking the reacting mixture and throwing it into the hallway, igniting a fire that caused damage to the floor and hallway. Residents of the building were temporarily evacuated.
During the subsequent investigation, detectives discovered a large quantity of chemicals and laboratory equipment inside Gaugler’s apartment, including mixtures determined to be unstable and explosive. Those hazardous materials were removed from the scene for proper and safe disposal.
Gaugler was placed under arrest without incident. He is charged with Reckless Endangerment 1st degree, Arson 4th degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree. Charges are allegations; he has not been convicted.
The Arson Bomb Squad said Gaugler was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, September 21, 2026, at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead. The outcome of that proceeding is not reflected in the available source record.