A Brooklyn man has been arrested and charged with federal arson after investigators say he intentionally set a charter bus on fire during a chaotic night of celebration in Times Square following the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory, The New York Post reported. Jonathan Strahs, 30, was taken into custody Monday morning at his Bushwick residence in connection with the June 14 blaze, according to the New York City Fire Department.

Authorities said the fire happened on West 42nd Street as thousands of Knicks fans gathered in Manhattan to celebrate the franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years. The damaged vehicle was a charter bus that had been contracted to transport World Cup attendees between the Port Authority Bus Terminal and MetLife Stadium, The Daily Mail reported.

According to investigators, Strahs allegedly boarded the bus around 2:47 a.m. Surveillance video reportedly showed him leaving the vehicle shortly before flames erupted inside. Fire officials said the blaze quickly spread throughout the interior of the bus and reached a nearby vehicle before firefighters arrived and extinguished the flames.

An investigation by FDNY Fire Marshals determined the fire was deliberately set. Investigators worked with the NYPD Arson and Explosion Detectives and federal agents from the ATF to identify Strahs as a suspect in the case.

Strahs was charged with one count of federal arson, authorities said. A booking photo released after his arrest showed him with long hair and a beard as investigators continued examining evidence connected to the fire.

FDNY Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said the incident created a dangerous situation because the fire occurred in a crowded area during a major public celebration.

“This fire, set on a busy street during a night of celebration, put the lives of bystanders and first responders at risk,” Bonsignore said.

The arrest came as authorities investigated a series of disturbances following the Knicks’ championship celebration. Officials said dozens of people were arrested during the unrest, with reports of additional violence including a shooting involving a teenager and multiple stabbings.

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