Violent Ex-Con Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Neighbors, Storing Gas in NYC Building

By City Desk

MANHATTAN — A man with a prior criminal record was taken into custody after neighbors in a luxury Manhattan apartment building accused him of making violent threats and storing gasoline outside his unit, authorities said.

Residents of the upscale building reported growing fear over what they described as escalating behavior, including verbal threats and erratic conduct in shared hallways. One tenant called him “a terrorizer,” claiming the situation had left families afraid to leave their apartments.

Police confirmed officers responded to multiple calls at the property over recent weeks. During a welfare check and subsequent search, authorities said they recovered containers of gasoline stored in a common area — a potential fire hazard in a densely populated residential structure.

Melvin Dejesus, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, walks across a snowy street.

🚨 Safety Concerns

Fire officials warn that gasoline vapors can ignite easily, particularly in enclosed spaces like apartment corridors. The presence of flammable materials in multi-unit buildings poses serious risk to residents.

Neighbors said they alerted building management after noticing the smell of fuel. “It was overwhelming,” one resident said. “We didn’t know what he was planning.”

⚖️ Charges Pending

The suspect’s name has not been released pending formal charges. Law enforcement sources indicated potential counts could include reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of hazardous materials and making terroristic threats.

Officials declined to comment on how the individual gained access to the building or whether eviction proceedings had previously been initiated.

The building at 400 Bleecker Street, a red-brick building with black fire escapes, with “Clean Origin” and “Bookmarc” stores at ground level.

🏢 Ongoing Investigation

The New York City Police Department said the investigation remains active and urged residents to report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately.

Building management has not publicly responded to requests for comment.

For now, residents say they are relieved the situation appears to be under control — but shaken by how long it allegedly took to resolve.

Black and white photo of a red gasoline container with "GASOLINE" and "DANGER" written on it. A white shoe is visible on the right.