Elmira man charged with arson after using Molotov cocktail

An Elmira man has been charged with several serious crimes after allegedly using a homemade explosive device to set fire to a victim’s home Friday night.

Tamilselven Thangadurai, 42, was charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree arson, both class B felonies, following the incident.

At around 10 p.m. Friday, Elmira police responded to a report of arson in the 400 block of West Fourth Street. The resident said a man forced his way into her home and threw a homemade explosive device, known as a Molotov cocktail, at the living room wall. The device ignited, setting part of the wall and floor on fire while an 8-year-old was sitting on a couch, police said.