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Monday, dec 23
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Arson
News
7-Alarm Fire in Southbridge That Displaced 12 Intentionally Set: State Officials
A devastating seven-alarm fire that tore through two buildings on Union Street in Southbridge last month was intentionally set, state fire officials said. Twelve people were left homeless in the blaze, and investigators are now asking the public for help in finding who’s responsible. The fire broke out around 3:25 am at 5-7 Union St. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and quickly spread to the neighboring building at 9-11 Union St. Firefighters arriving on the scene found heavy flames and immediately called for additional resources, escalating the response to seven alarms. Crews from over a dozen commun…
Police & Fire
Man Charged With Fire That Destroyed Mass Country Club
A Massachusetts was arrested Thursday, March 28, and charged with setting a blaze last year that demolished a Dartmouth country club. Shawn Medeiros, 31, of New Bedford, is charged with burning a building, the State Fire Marshal's Office said. Medeiros is accused of setting the May 7, 2023, blaze at Hawthorne Country Club around 1:30 p.m. It took two hours to get the blaze under control. Fire investigators knew right away that the blaze appeared to be intentionally set. Authorities did not speculate on any potential motive for the arson. The club was a …
Police & Fire
2 Teens Sparked 4 Fires In Western, Central Mass Using Explosives: Arson Investigators
Arson investigators busted two teenagers who they say are responsible for setting multiple fires in Hampden and Worcester counties using explosives. Nathan Asselin, 19, of Sturbridge, and Camron Lamarche, 19, of Southbridge, are charged with four counts of possession of a destructive device, placing an explosive device, vandalism, and other offenses, the State Fire Marshal said. Investigators said the duo placed explosive materials in mailboxes and outdoor sites on Town Farm Road in Brookfield, Sturbridge Road in Holland, Boston Road E in Monson, and New Boston Road in Stur…
Police & Fire
Grover St. Fatal Fire: 'Person Of Interest' Sought By Springfield Police
A fatal fire in Springfield early Monday morning, Oct. 16, may have been intentionally set. Springfield police are asking for people who live in the area near the blaze to check their cameras for a specific person seen walking away from the scene. The fire at 118 Grover Street in Springfield began around 5 a.m. on the front porch beneath the bedroom of Janayrah "Nany" Rivera, 18, Springfield police said. A fundraiser for her said she was trapped in the room as the flames licked up the walls. Her sister received third-degree burns and will likely need three to four skin graft…
News
Unlawfully Present Haitian Citizen Nabbed For Setting Church On Fire In Mass: ICE
A Haitian national who was unlawfully in the US is now in custody after breaking into an Essex County church and setting it on fire, officials announced. The Haitian national, who entered the US as a nonimmigrant in 2015, was arrested on violation of immigration charges on Tuesday, Sept. 26 by federal Enforcement and Removal Operations officers, US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced on Thursday, Oct. The suspect, whose name was not released, was previously convicted of breaking into a Methuen church and setting it on fire in 2017. He will now remain in ICE custody pending …
Police & Fire
2 Charged With Setting Train Car On Fire In Western Mass Causing $250K In Damages: Police
Police have arrested two men investigators say set a train car on fire on Aug. 16 in Hampden County, destroying everything inside. Johnny Hundley, 23, of Southwick in Hampden County, is charged with breaking and entering into a railroad car, burning a railway car, malicious destruction of property worth more than $1,200, and trespassing on railroad property, the Massachusetts Fire Marshal said. Brandon Jasorkowski, 25, was arrested in Connecticut and is expected to be extradited to face similar charges, investigators said. Westfield firefighters were called to the area beh…
Police & Fire
Man Out On Bail Tried To Burn Down Springfield Home with Someone Inside: Police
A man wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor from a previous arrest from in cuffs again Thursday, Aug. 24, after police in Springfield said he tried to burn down a home with someone inside. Lavonta Williams, 45, of Springfield, was out on bail from an arrest in August 2022 on guns and drug charges and an outstanding warrant for driving while high in Palmer, Springfield police said. Emergency dispatchers sent firefighters to a home on Collins Street just after 9 a.m. Thursday after they received calls about a structure fire. Fire crews were able to put out the blaze. A K9 t…
Police & Fire
Western Mass Train Fire 'Suspicious,' 'Very Fortunate No One Was Injured': Investigators
State fire investigators are asking for the public's help to gather more information about a "suspicious" train fire Tuesday night, Aug. 16, in Hampden County, where a door was pried open. Firefighters in Westfield were called to the area behind181 Notre Dame St. just after 6:45 p.m. and found the train car engulfed in flames. Crews were able to put out the blaze, but all of the contents inside were destroyed, state fire investigators said. Authorities did not say what was lost. “Railway fires come with a unique set of hazards to firefighters and the public, and this was a very challen…
Police & Fire
Arson: Central Mass House Fire Intentionally Set; 2 Injured In Blaze
Police have arrested a man and charged him with intentionally starting a Central Massachusetts house fire that injured two people on Tuesday, June 6. Evan Kelly, of Holden, was arraigned on Wednesday, Leominster District Court officials said. He is charged with arson, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, reports said. He is being held without bond until a dangerousness hearing on Monday. Investigators say Kelly intentionally set the fire at 24 Juniper Lane in Holden just after 7:30 p.m. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control in about two hours. …
Police & Fire
Son Indicted In Slaying Of His Father, Trying To Burn Down Western Mass Home: DA
A 35-year-old Hampshire County man was indicted on Monday, March 20, in the murder of his father and attempting to burn his body in a house fire, authorities said. Craig R. Weise, of South Hadley, is accused of killing his father, David Weise Sr., 70, in September, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. He faces a charge of murder and attempted arson of a dwelling, the prosecutor said. He is expected to be arraigned on April 3. Police found David Weise Sr.'s body at his home at 37 Lawn Street on Sept. 9 after a healthcare agency called officers to request a …
Police & Fire
One Person Killed In Early Morning Springfield Fire: Officials
A woman who was injured in an early morning fire in Springfield has died from her injuries, state fire officials said. Crews responded to the fire at 68 Federal Street just after 4 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, according to the Springfield Fire Department on Twitter. Investigators determined that the fire started in the living room. Paramedics rushed a woman in her 60s to the hospital for treatment, where she later succumbed to her injuries, officials said Friday afternoon. They did not release her name. SFD “ On Scene “ 68 Federal St. Working fire. Fire has been extinguished. One occupa…
Obituaries
5-Year-Old Boy Dies From Wounds In Christmas Eve Chicopee House Fire: Officials
A 5-year-old boy who was seriously burned when a home caught fire in Chicopee on Christmas Eve has died, state officials said on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Fire crews were called to a fire at a multi-family home at 759 Chicopee Street just after noon and were told the boy was trapped inside, the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's Office said. Firefighters rushed inside and pulled the boy out, but he was seriously injured. They rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he fought for his life for several days before succumbing to his injuries. State officials did not release the boy's na…
Police & Fire
South Hadley Man Pleads Not Guilty To Killing Father, Trying To Burn Down Home: DA
A 35-year-old South Hadley man accused of killing his father and burning down the house they shared pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with his father's slaying, authorities said. Craig R. Weise is being held without bail after he pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 70-year-old father David Weise on Monday, Dec. 19, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office reports. Craig was charged on Wednesday, Dec. 7, with the murder of his father and attempted arson, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Police discovered David's body at his home at 37 Lawn Street on Sept. 9…
Police & Fire
South Hadley Man Killed His Father, Attempted To Burn Down Home, DA Alleges
Authorities said a 35-year-old South Hadley man killed his father earlier this year and tried to burn down the house they shared afterward. Craig R. Weise was charged on Wednesday, Dec. 7, with the murder of his father, David Weise Sr., and attempted arson, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. Craig Weise was being held in a Hampden County jail on an unrelated charge. Police discovered David Weise Sr.'s body at his home at 37 Lawn Street on Sept. 9 after a healthcare agency called officers to request a welfare check, the prosecutor said. They also found evidenc…
Police & Fire
Police Search For Suspect Who Lit American Flag On Fire Outside Of CT Home
Authorities are investigating after an individual set fire to an American flag that was hanging on a Connecticut resident's porch. Officers in Litchfield County responded to a Torrington residence in the area of Church Street at about 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, after receiving a report that the flag was set on fire overnight, the Torrington Police Department reported. Investigators determined that at about 2:10 a.m., an unknown male dressed in black walked up to the home and set the flag on fire, police said. He left the scene while that flag was burning, according to the report. T…
Police & Fire
Boston Man Set Fire Inside Central Mass Dunkin' Van To Keep Warm: Police
When the coffee shop runs out of coffee, perhaps a fire could be the perfect alternative for staying warm – if it’s not set in the same place. However, one Boston man didn’t seem to get the memo because he was arrested for setting a fire inside a parked Dunkin’ Donuts Mobile Walk-In Van in central Massachusetts, authorities said. A passerby saw smoke coming from the van shortly before 5 a.m. on Oct. 6, Webster Police said on Facebook. The fire from the van was so bad, that it was blistering the outside, police said. Further investigation suggested that the fire was intentionally set. …
News
Cape Cod Man Accused Of Killing Mother Dies From Medical Emergency In Jail
A man accused of killing his mother by burning her to death outside their Cape Cod home has died while in jail, reports said. According to the Bristol County Sheriff's Office, Adam Howe, age 34, suffered a medical emergency and died in his cell at Ashe Street Jail in New Bedford. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead, CBS Boston reports. "Out of respect for the family, we have no additional comment or details," a spokesperson with the office said, WCVB reports. "That family has been through a lot this weekend; please keep them in your prayers." Howe was arreste…
News
Woman Charged With Starting Worcester Fire That Killed 4 In Her Old Building
A 36-year-old woman is facing several charges in connection with a Worcester fire that killed four people at the same building she used to live earlier this year, the Worcester County District Attorney's office reports. A Grand Jury indicted Yvonne Ngoiri, whose last known address was in Worcester, on two counts of arson of a dwelling among other charges on Thursday, Sept. 29, the office reports. The charges stem from a four-alarm fire that occurred at a three-decker home at 2 Gage Street in the early morning hours of May 14, 2022. During the fire, one person jumped from a window…
Police & Fire
Employee Accused Of Intentionally Setting Fire At Western Mass Restaurant
An employee of a Western Massachusetts restaurant is accused of intentionally setting the building on fire over the weekend. Authorities in Berkshire County received a report of a fire at Olde Forge Restaurant, located at 125 North Main St. in Lanesborough, at about 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, according to the Lanesborough Police Department. The Cheshire, Dalton, Hancock, and Hinsdale fire departments responded to assist the Lanesborough Fire Department and found fire coming from the back of the building. The fire was contained within an hour, police reported. Authorities said a…
Police & Fire
Teen Charged With Burning Down Antonio's Grinders In Springfield: Report
Police arrested a 15-year-old and charged him with burning down a sandwich shop in Springfield earlier this month, a news report said. The teenager faces arson charges after police said he set the Aug. 15 fire that destroyed Antonio's Grinders on State Street, MassLive.com said. Police also believe the boy set another fire down the road less than an hour later. Police met the teen on Aug. 16 when they were patrolling near Springfield High School of Science and Technology just before 11:30 p.m., the report said. They noticed a forklift driving around the school late at night at s…
News
Webster Man Facing Arson Charges In Connection With Destructive Restaurant Fire
A Webster man is facing multiple charges in connection with a fire that destroyed an area restaurant earlier this year, the Worcester County District Attorney's office said. Joel Batista-Viera, age 42, was indicted on 14 charges, including arson, on Friday, July 29, the office reports. Batista-Viera is believed to have set the Wind Tiki restaurant on fire in the early hours of March 18, 2022, the office reports. The fire was strong enough to reach three alarms and completely devour the entire building. Crews are still heavily engaged battling a large amount of fire throughout the b…
Police & Fire
Western Massachusetts Teenager Facing Arson Charges For Vacant School Fire
A teenager is facing arson-related charges in connection with a fire that occurred at a vacant school in Great Barrington, State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said in a release. The teenager was charged in connection with a fire that occurred at the second floor of Searles School, located at 79 Bridge Street, just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, Ostroskey said. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2022 Searles School Structure Fire At approximately 5:00 pm yesterday evening (June 19th)... Posted by Great Barrington Fire Department on Monday, June 20, 2022 Upon arrival, crews encountered sm…
Police & Fire
NH Man Gets Life In Prison For 'Gruesome' Murder Of NJ Woman In Massachusetts
A New Hampshire man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the gruesome death of a New Jersey native in Massachusetts, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said. Julian Squires, 48, from Manchester, was found guilty on charges of murder and kidnapping for his role in the Nov. 3, 2015 killing of Ashley Bortner, 29, of Paulsboro, Cruz said in a release. "The murder of Miss Bortner was particularly gruesome and cruel," DA Cruz said. "I am pleased that the jury saw the facts of this case and found Julian Squires guilty for his role in this heinous crime." New Hamps…
Police & Fire
Three Teens Caught In Connection With Five-Alarm Western Mass Fire, Officials Say
Three teenagers are facing criminal charges after they were arrested in connection with a five-alarm fire that destroyed four buildings in Orange over the weekend, authorities said. The teens, ages 12 to 14, are facing various arson-related delinquency charges stemming from the fire, which happened in the area of 16 West River Street around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, fire officials said. The fire was coming from a vacant mill building and spread to three more buildings, eventually reaching five alarms. However, the response from additional fire departments was equal to a six- or sev…
Police & Fire
Police Release New Details After Suspect Who Allegedly Drove At Troopers Nabbed In CT
The 36-year-old man who took law enforcement on a multi-state chase after striking two police cruisers is facing a host of charges in Connecticut, state police announced. Dartmouth, Massachusetts resident Ian Grant, who was wanted on a felony warrant, attempted to flee police in Massachusetts on the morning of Wednesday, April 13, before ultimately crashing in Connecticut and being apprehended in New London County by police in North Stonington. Original story - Suspect Who Drove At Troopers Nabbed In North Stonington, Police Say During the chase, which began around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday,…
Police & Fire
CT Man Arrested On Nine Arrest Warrants, Including Arson
A Connecticut man with multiple warrants out for his arrest in Hartford County has been arrested and charged in connection to a January fire. On Monday, Jan. 24, a massive fire broke out on Montano Drive in Enfield that was considered suspicious by investigators at the time. The investigation into the fire led police to identify Enfield resident Christopher Colbert, age 40, who was taken into custody, the department announced on Tuesday, April 5, and charged with first-degree arson. Police noted that Colbert was wanted on nine total arrest warrants. On a separate warrant, Colbert was char…
Police & Fire
Man, Teen Nabbed For Abduction, Assault Of Woman From CT Big Y Parking Lot
A Connecticut man and a teen have been arrested for the alleged kidnapping, carjacking, and brutal beating of a woman from a supermarket parking lot last year. On Tuesday, March 1, state police arrested Kenneth Gordon, age 20, of Hartford, and a 16-year-old boy following a five-month investigation into the events which took place at the Big Y parking lot in Marlborough on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2021. At the time of the crime, police said the 64-year-old woman was getting into her car with groceries when she was approached by two masked men who demanded money. When she resisted, the two, a…
News
Man Indicted For Hate Crime Offenses Relating To Arson Of Church In Springfield
A New England man has been indicted for hate crimes in connection to a fire that destroyed a predominantly Black church in Western Massachusetts. Dushko Vulchev, age 45, of Houlton, Maine, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday, Feb. 10 on four counts of damage to religious property involving fire and one count of use of fire to commit a federal felony for a fire in Springfield at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Hampden County. He was previously charged on a criminal complaint in April 2021. According to court documents, early on Dec. 28, 2020, police…
News
Worcester County Man Indicted For Arson
A Massachusetts man has been was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the burning of a restaurant in October. Worcester County resident Edmond Charrette, aka Edmond Kuhn, age 31, of Princeton, was indicted on Thursday, Jan. 20 on one count of damage and destruction of a building by means of fire. Charrette will make an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester on Thursday, Jan. 27. According to the indictment, on Tuesday, Oct. 12, Charrette maliciously damaged and destroyed China City, a restaurant in Leominster, and its contents by setting the establishment on …
Police & Fire
Five Found Dead After Massive House Fire Breaks Out In New York
Five people were found dead inside a Long Island home following a massive fire overnight. The blaze broke out around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at a three-story Riverhead residence located at 46 East 2nd St., said the Suffolk County Police. The five were found by local firefighters after the fire was extinguished, police said. Firefighters from eight departments responded.Riverhead Fire Department/Ex-Capt. Paul Sparrow Eight fire departments responded to battle the blaze that took several hours to put out. Riverhead Fire Department Ex-Chief Nicholas Luparella reported that upon arri…
Police & Fire
Woman Accused Of Setting Fire To Shop In Western Mass
A Western Mass woman has been accused of setting fire to a motorcycle shop. Angela Garcia was arrested on Wednesday, June 30 in connection with a fire on Tuesday, June 1, at the Indian Motorcycle building on State Street in Springfield, said the Springfield Fire Department. A warrant for Garcia, age 40, of Springfield, was issued following an investigation by members of the Springfield Arson & Bomb Squad, the department said. Garcia was charged with arson of a dwelling and malicious destruction of property of $1,200
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