Fire That Injured 3 Firefighters Is Suspected Arson; Arrest Made

Police have arrested a man accused of setting a fire that injured three firefighters and torched a Springfield building.

Police have arrested a man accused of setting a vacant Springfield building on fire.
Photo Credit: *Drew Garrett*

Kristin Palpini

09/04/2020 2:41 p.m.

Jose Rodriguez-Acevedo, 21, of Springfield, was arrested Friday, Set. 4, and charged with arson of a dwelling and three counts of causing injury to a firefighter in the performance of their duties, according to the Office of Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard Calvi.

He was arrested around 10:30 a.m. in Johnny Appleseed Park.

Rodriguez-Acevedo’s arrest is in connection to the Aug. 23 fire that spread to vacant buildings at 312-320 Locust St. He allegedly lit a mattress on fire and the flames "quickly" that spread to the nearby buildings, Calvi said.

An update on the condition of the firefighters will be provided as soon as it is available.

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