A Mineola man was arrested after he threw an unknown chemical mixture into an apartment hallway igniting a fire.

Nassau police say the incident occurred early Sunday morning. Nolan Gaugler, a resident of the apartment, allegedly was conducting an unknown chemistry experiment when the mixture reacted violently.

The 34-year-old took the mixture to the hallway and threw it igniting a fire that damaged the floor and hallway, according to police. Residents of the building were temporarily evacuated.

Police say that during the investigation a large quantity of chemicals and laboratory equipment was found in Gaugler's apartment. They also found other mixtures that were determined to be explosive.

Gaugler is charged with reckless endangerment, arson, and criminal possession of a weapon, according to police. He will be arraigned on Monday at the First District Court in Hempstead.