A Connecticut man faces federal charges after he allegedly threw bleach and a Molotov cocktail at police after running a red light just before 8 a.m. on Saturday, according to the NYPD.
Police officers pulled over Lionel Virgile, 44, after he ran a red light in East Flatbush near Clarendon Road and East 45th Street, according to NYPD spokesperson, Detective Francis Sammon.
In body camera footage the NYPD posted online of the traffic stop, Virgile opens the door and throws a liquid substance at an officer. The NYPD spokesperson said the substance was bleach.
Virgile drove off, and then when police caught up to him, he threw a Molotov cocktail made from a glass bottle and a rag at the officers, according to Sammon. He then allegedly crashed into an unoccupied parked car and was arrested. Police said they found three more molotov cocktails in his 2000 Lincoln Town Car.
Virgile's ex-wife told the NY Post that Virgile has had mental health issues in recent years and may have been living in his car as recently as a month ago. Sources tell NBC NY that there are "unknown writings and drawings on the ceiling" of the car.
Sammon said prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York will charge him with possession of a destructive device. NBC NY reports that Virgile will face a federal arson charge. A spokesperson for the Eastern District declined to comment.
A law enforcement source said Virgile will appear in federal court on Monday.
The officer who was allegedly hit by the bleach was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and blurred vision, according to the police spokesperson.
