Ocean Parkway Man Sets Fire To Home, Commits Suicide

Detectives examine the body in an alley next to the day care.

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: While putting out a fire at 2281 Ocean Parkway, firefighters discovered a man who appears to have shot himself in the head.

According to an FDNY EMT on the scene, it appeared the man sparked a fire in the building’s third floor attic before turning a gun on himself.

An acquaintance of the victim was on the scene and told Sheepshead Bites that a forced change in his living situation had recently put the victim in a tough spot.

“I knew he was upset about having to move,” the acquaintance said. “I didn’t think he would do anything like this.”

Another friend of the victim refused to talk to Sheepshead Bites, but noted, “He was a good guy. He wasn’t a bad guy at all; he was a good guy.”

Neighbors said a man in his mid-40s has lived at the location for several years, above ABC Plus Day Care and a gastroenterologist’s office.

The day care center was closed for the holidays, and the EMT said no one else was in the building.

Police have not yet confirmed that it was a suicide, as homicide detectives examined the body behind a white sheet in an alley beside the building.

This is a breaking news story and may contain inaccuracies. We will update it as more information becomes available. If anyone has more information or additional photos, please send them to tips (at) sheepsheadbites (dot) com.