STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Brooklyn man accused of trying to set a Bulls Head gas station ablaze last year has pleaded guilty to an assault charge in Mental Health Court to resolve the case.
Police said Fakrol Islam, 28, was caught on surveillance video starting the fire at the 7-Eleven on Victory Boulevard near the intersection of Richmond Avenue around 1:50 a.m. on July 30, 2018.
Islam was indicted on felony counts of attempted arson, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
On Wednesday, Islam pleaded guilty in the Mental Health Court part of state Supreme Court, St. George, to second-degree assault.
He will continue mental-health treatment through the court for an extended period, said Katsnelson.
If Islam completes the program, he’ll be sentenced to five years’ probation, the lawyer said.
Katnelson thanked prosecutors for keeping an open mind on Islam’s mental condition.
“They were able to see that Mr. Islam needed the help of medical professionals and not prison to help him once again become the law-abiding, productive citizen he was prior to the onset of his mental-health issue,” said Katsnelson.
“I can’t remember where I heard this (but) if a person has a broken arm, we can’t expect them to win an arm-wrestling content. If they have a broken leg, we can’t expect them to win a marathon,” Katnelson said. “We cannot expect someone with a mental-health issue to act the same way they would act without one. The D.A.’s office has shown that they are willing to listen, learn and help. This is one step closer to achieving justice.”
Islam was indicted on felony counts of attempted arson, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
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