Update: Arson suspect who allegedly threw Molotov held on bail

Update Monday 2 p.m.: A Riverhead man accused of throwing a lit Molotov cocktail into a neighbor’s house was held on bail following his arraignment in Riverhead Town Justice Court Monday afternoon.

Monwell Wright, 21, is being held on bail and is due back in court on Thursday June 18, according to Judge Allen Smith.

Mr. Wright allegedly started a fire in his neighbor’s home while there were people in the residence Sunday night by lighting a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid and throwing it into the building, according to criminal charges read aloud in court.

Mr. Wright, dressed in a plastic yellow jumpsuit, was represented by a Legal Aid attorney Shelia Guiffrida and pleaded not guilty to felony attempted arson

Mr. Wright said that he has been living at his grandmother’s house since he was released from prison in March. He lives with his grandmother and mother.

The prosecution asked for bail to be set at $75,000. Ms. Guiffrida asked for a lower bail, explaining Mr. Wright has a two-year-old daughter and is currently under the care of a psychiatrist. Mr. Smith ultimately set bail at $5,000.

Original Story: A Riverhead man is back behind bars after he’s alleged to have thrown a lit Molotov cocktail into a neighbor’s home — one that didn’t explode after it was tossed inside.

According to police, a Segal Avenue resident reported that someone had ignited a glass bottle containing a flammable liquid and threw it into the north side of his home around 9:45 p.m. The man fled, according to the resident, and the bottle did not break or cause any damage to the home.

Police extinguished the fire and upon further investigation, police arrested 21-year-old Monwell Wright, whose address is listed as directly across the street. The victims had reported to police in May that someone had caused fire damage to their home as well.

Mr. Wright had pleaded guilty to a Polish Town assault last year and was charged in connection with the beating of a disabled man downtown about a year ago. The outcome of that case was not immediately available.

Mr. Wright was charged with attempted arson in the second degree.