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Michael Johnson 45, of White Plains, was arrested Wednesday, Jan. 30, and charged with arson for allegedly starting the raging fire in the vacant home on Smith Street in Port Chester, that took place around 5 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, according to the Port Chester Police.
"Detective's worked vigorously all yesterday to charge Johnson with this incident after he was located by Patrol Officers," the Port Chester Police Department said on Facebook.
Fire crews took several hours to knock down the flames, and a first-floor roof collapsed. No injuries were reported.
Smith and Pearl streets were temporarily closed in Port Chester as officials investigated the fire, including an arson detection dog from the Westchester Police Department. The village had reportedly been dealing with squatters recently at the vacant home.
Working in conjunction with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Westchester Department of Emergency Services and the Westchester District Attorneys office, the department was able to locate and arrest Johnson, they added.
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