Gaugler faces arson, endangerment, and a weapon count.

An experimental fire and stacked captions are accusations, not a conviction. Arson, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon each have elements the State still has to prove, and chemicals found in an apartment are investigation evidence, not a guilty finding. Nolan Gaugler, 34, of Mineola, Long Island, was arrested after police and fire were called about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, to 125 Lincoln Ave. for a fire in the third-floor hallway. He faces those three counts and is being arraigned Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in a Hempstead courtroom.

The Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad said Gaugler was doing an unknown chemistry experiment when the mixture reacted violently, and that he allegedly threw it outside his apartment, starting a fire that damaged the floor and hallway. Residents were temporarily evacuated. That is the squad’s account, as reported. A violent reaction and a throw are allegations. They are not a finding that he committed arson, recklessly endangered anyone, or criminally possessed a weapon.

Investigators found a large quantity of chemicals and lab equipment in his apartment. Some were determined unstable or explosive and were removed for safe disposal. A recovery and a disposal are investigation steps. They do not prove the elements of any count, and they are not a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.