Philadelphia Man Indicted for May 2020 Arson of a SunRay Drugs Pharmacy Building in West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Tyrone Wise, 34, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by indictment with one count of arson.

The indictment alleges that on May 31, 2020 — while both lawful protests and unlawful civil disturbances were occurring throughout the region and the country — the defendant started a fire inside 25 South 60th Street (at the corner of Ludlow and 60th Streets) in Philadelphia. The fire severely damaged a SunRay Drugs Pharmacy and multiple apartments inside the building.

If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, and other penalties.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.