LIBERTY  — A man in the village of Liberty stands accused of attempting to burn down a bar while people were inside. 

According to the Village of Liberty Police Department (LPD), Mateo Rodriguez was arrested on Tuesday and charged with arson in the 2nd degree, reckless endangerment in the 1st degree, and criminal mischief in the 2nd degree, all felonies. 

LPD initially responded to a report of a structure fire at the Liberty Pub Bar on Edgar Street in the village. Police say that a preliminary investigation of the fire scene indicated that the fire had been started intentionally. 

LPD, along with Sullivan County Bureau of Fire Arson Investigators, conducted an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Rodriguez. It is alleged that at approximately 10 p.m. Rodriguez intentionally lit fire to a container of gasoline under the rear porch of the Liberty Pub Bar while having knowledge that individuals were still present in the building. 

The Village of Liberty Police Department was assisted by the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire and the Liberty Fire Department.