Wheels on Fire: Man Incinerates 132 Benzes in Brooklyn Blaze

The motive behind this mass arson might just be the craziest part of the story. 

Remember the episode of Seinfeld when George Costanza is convinced that his car is being used for sexual shenanigans in his parking lot? Well, apparently Evon Stephens of Brooklyn, New York has either seen this episode too many times, or he’s just plain nuts. Okay, chances are this is a case of half a dozen of one, six of another. Last week, Stephens intentionally lit up a parking garage because he thought it was being used a hook-up spot.

According to the New York Daily News, after Stephens was apprehended by police, he told stated that he “was motivated to start the fire by his belief that others used the parked vehicles for sexual activity.” Thankfully, no one was injured in the massive blaze, which shut down the popular King’s Plaza shopping center, but at least 132 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were turned to nothing more than a pile of ashes.

According to police, Stephens went into the garage, with the intent of targeting the Mercedes-Benz area of the garage. Security cameras captured the suspect climbing into a car before it went up in flames. Stephens then walked out while giving the security cameras the finger. The garage houses hundreds of vehicles for Mercedes-Benz of Brooklyn. The fire spread rapidly, and 137 vehicles were reduced to rubble, with 132 Benzes shuffling off this mortal coil.

Stephens was captured by law enforcement, and immediately confessed. Police said that “Stephens also acknowledged that he knew he was being recorded on surveillance cameras and apologized for starting the fire,” after telling police that his motive was to stop the supposed sexual activity that he thought was going on.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Around 8:30 Monday morning a fire began on the second floor of Kings Plaza shopping mall parking garage. Many busses were detoured due responders trying to get the blaze under control as well as expensive cars such as Mercedes Benzes stored from a nearby dealership were damaged. 21 people were injured and fire fighters suffered smoke inhalation. At first a motive nor a suspect was a known but now police have arrested 23 year old homeless man Avon Stephans who they believe allegedly set the inferno. He is quoted as saying , “I apologize” as he was taken away by the police. We at So Brooklyn Magazine are glad everyone at kingsplaza mall is safe and we know they will come back stronger, Brooklyn always does. #kingsplaza #fire #cars #mercedesbenz #mall #brooklyn

A post shared by Tonya Brown (@so_brooklyn_magazine) on Sep 17, 2018 at 7:56pm PDT

There were no reported deaths, however six civilians and 22 firefighters were harmed by the fire. Stephens is currently being held without bail and may face federal charges for the blaze, as the incident happened on interstate property. We recommend next time he try chanting “Serenity now!” before resorting to arson.

Images: New York Daily News

Join the MB World forums now!

Sherry Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.