Aiman Arabeiat is home recuperating from burns he suffered during an explosion at his business, Jerusalem Restaurant, on Nov. 13. He's far from ease, however. On Dec. 7, the Ohio man will go before a Hamilton County grand jury for possible indictment.

Arabeiat faces two counts of aggravated arson in connection with the explosion and fire that caused $60,000 in damage to his Clifton Heights restaurant.

Court records state the 45-year-old created a “substantial risk of physical harm” to a woman who was in the building at the time of the blast. She was in an apartment above the restaurant, however, was not injured.

To help him recover from his injuries–second degree burns on 90 percent of his body–a judge released Arabeiat on his own recognizance. He also had to surrender his passport.

After the hearing Nov. 22, Arabeiat was taken to the jail in a private vehicle. He was processed, but could not be fingerprinted because his hands were burned and remain bandaged.

Treated at University Hospital last week, he was released about 4 or 5 p.m. Nov. 17, arrested, and taken to jail. Workers at the Hamilton County Justice Center declared him too sick for their staff to handle and refused to admit him, twice. He was finally cited about 10 p.m. and permitted to go to his Loveland apartment.

In a press conference from his sick bed Nov. 19, Arabeiat denied setting the fire.

The building is insured, but all insurance claims are on hold pending the outcome of the case, according to the family.

Arabeiat also claims that Cincinnati police hurt him when they tried to put him in a cruiser, but he could not fit. They ended up taking him to the jail in a sport utility vehicle. His family had requested he be transported in an ambulance.

When police took him home from the jail, he rode in an ambulance.

Cincinnati police officials have launched an internal investigation.

Special Reports /

Ohio Restaurant Owner Disputes Arson Charge

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