Man accused of starting fire at Sliders Seaside Grill arrested
Share and Follow

The Fernandina Beach Police Department says John Sallas is not only accused of committing arson at Sliders Seaside Grill, but at other places in the city as well.

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — A man accused of starting a fire at Sliders Seaside Grill in Fernandina Beach in June has been arrested, the Fernandina Beach Police Department announced Tuesday.

The police department says John Sallas is not only accused of committing arson at Sliders Seaside Grill, but at other places in the city as well.

The fire at the popular beachfront restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and ocean views, started around 1 a.m. on June 20.

Surveillance video obtained by First Coast News shows a man breaking in the restaurant through a side door. The restaurant said the suspect set multiple fires inside, including in the employee stairwell and a patio umbrella.

General Manager Cason Zylinski said the fire department responded quickly after the restaurant’s sprinkler system and alarms went off. She added the suspect didn’t seem familiar with his surroundings or where he was going.

“It seems as though he was kind of a fluke incident, maybe a stranger from across the street or maybe someone that’s had too much to drink,” Zylinski said. “It seems as though he was kind of a fluke incident, maybe a stranger from across the street or maybe someone that’s had too much to drink.”

“I can’t believe someone did that to a restaurant that everybody goes to, so it was definitely a shocker,” Fernandina Beach resident Andrew Fenzl previously told First Coast News.

The police department says the investigation into the incident remains active.


Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Luigi Mangione lawyers renew bid to toss death penalty charge, alleging Pam Bondi has a conflict of interest

Luigi Mangione’s Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Death Penalty Charge, Citing Conflict of Interest Involving Pam Bondi

On Friday, Luigi Mangione’s legal team intensified their appeal to dismiss the…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Brown and MIT shooting suspect, Nick Reiner's lawyer, Brian Walshe's sentence

Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Updates on Brown and MIT Shooting Suspect, Nick Reiner’s Legal Representation, and Brian Walshe’s Sentencing

An image juxtaposes Claudio Neves-Valente, the alleged gunman at Brown University, clad…
What’s inside the newly released Epstein files? Creepy photos, A-list stars, and heavy redactions (Video)

Revelations from Epstein Files: Unveiling Disturbing Photos, Celebrity Connections, and Heavily Redacted Details (Video)

The Department of Justice has unveiled a massive collection of documents pertaining…
President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing regarding marijuana in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

States Weigh Adoption of Trump’s Tax Cuts on Tips and Overtime: A Crucial Decision Ahead

As legislative sessions kick off next year, a pressing question looms over…
Nick Reiner became erratic after doctors 'changed his psych meds'

Nick Reiner Exhibits Unpredictable Behavior Following Adjustment of Psychiatric Medication

Nick Reiner, who had been battling intensifying schizophrenia, reportedly became increasingly unstable…
10-year-old girl, Holocaust survivor among victims of deadly Australia Hanukkah attack

Tragic Hanukkah Attack in Australia Claims Lives, Including a 10-Year-Old Girl and a Holocaust Survivor

A horrifying terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in…
TV anchor tells how she was pulled off screens after 27 years

Veteran TV Anchor Shares Her Experience of Unexpected Departure After 27 Years on Air

After nearly thirty years as the prominent figure of a California news…
Substitute teacher arrested after encouraging kids to fight at Duval County middle school, police say

Duval County Substitute Teacher Faces Arrest for Allegedly Promoting Student Fights

A 29-year-old woman named Ladejah Shaw is facing several charges after allegedly…