FAIRFIELD, Conn. An alleged serial arsonist, accused of setting six fires in Fairfield this week, is behind bars. Christopher Message, 34, of Valley Road, was arrested Thursday evening and confessed to at least three of the fires, Police Chief Gary MacNamara said at a news conference.
We are very happy to say that we will not have any more arson fires committed by this individual in the town of Fairfield, MacNamara said.
Six fires have hit five structures in Fairfield since early Monday. Police began investigating the incidents as arson Thursday morning, after 1300 N. Benson Road, 321 Woodridge Ave. and 53 Cornell Road caught fire within a two-hour window. They also connected Message to two fires set at 50 Chatham Road and another at 349 Stratfield Road on Monday.
All five buildings were vacant at the time of the fires. Two firefighters were injured while dealing with the flames Thursday night. One of those two, John Catandella, is still recovering from second- and third-degree burns in Bridgeport Hospital.
The Fairfield Polices Detective Bureau, Fairfield Fire Marshal Bill Kessler, the state fire marshals office and the State Police Special Crimes Unit worked together to find the suspect quickly. MacNamara also credited neighbors for calling police to provide information. Though many gave only vague descriptions of the suspect, detectives identified Message within 18 hours of starting their investigation.
Those small observations that sometimes dont make a difference, really do make a difference, MacNamara said. Because we put them all together and got a clearer picture of what was going on.
Message was charged with three counts of arson and one count of burglary in the Thursday incidents. MacNamara said more charges could be added as police continue to investigate. Message is also considered a suspect in similar incidents in neighboring towns, he said.
Our investigation continues, MacNamara said. The main part of this investigation, and the most important part of this investigation, has been completed.
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