Homeless man charged with arson

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A 60-year-old homeless man was charged with arson after trying to set his brother’s car on fire in Flanders on Friday at 4 p.m.

Michael Schunk tried to set his brother’s 2008 Dodge Charger on fire with lighter fluid and a lighter, according to a press release from Southampton Town Police. The car was parked in the driveway of his brother’s home on Nassau Street in Flanders. When Mr. Schunk’s brother tried to stop him from setting the car on fire, Mr. Schunk kicked and scratched him, police said.

Police also found that Mr. Schunk had an illegal handgun, switchblade knife, and pepper spray.

“There’s no indication about what triggered the issue,” said Southampton Town Police Sergeant Todd Bennett.

Mr. Schunk’s brother only suffered minor scratches and did not require medical attention, Sgt. Bennett said.

Mr. Schunk was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree attempted arson, both felonies, unlawfully possessing a noxious material, a misdemeanor, and trespassing and second-degree harassment, both violations.

Mr. Schunk was arraigned in Southampton Town Justice Court Saturday. He posted $900 bail, Sgt. Bennett said.