Fire Uncovers Drug Lab at New Rochelle Hotel

A fire at the Marriott Residence Inn in New Rochelle led to the discovery of a clandestine drug lab by the police and fire department. The blaze, which occurred on April 6th, was contained by the hotel's sprinkler system but caused significant flooding on the seventh floor. Investigations revealed quantities of cocaine and materials for processing it into crack cocaine. The suspect, Pedro Marte, was identified and found in a Queens hospital with burns to his arm, torso, and foot. Marte, a 47-year-old Manhattan resident, is in stable condition and faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance and arson. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the police are seeking any additional information from the public.