For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

VIDEO: Arlington Police Seeking Public’s Assistance in Identifying Suspicious Person Seen Near Outdoor Fire

Click here to access the surveillance footage.

ARLINGTON — Acting Chief Julie Flaherty and the Arlington Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspicious person seen walking away from a home shortly after a suspicious outdoor fire broke out.

On Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11 p.m., Arlington Police and Fire responded to a home on Lake Street to investigate an activated fire alarm. Upon arrival, rescuers were met by the the adult male and female homeowners and their three children, who were inside a vehicle parked in the driveway.

The male resident told police that he, his wife and children exited the home after they heard the fire alarm and smelled the odor of smoke. Firefighters located a small fire burning on the wood shingles of one side of the home. The fire was quickly extinguished, and firefighters limited the damage to the exterior shingles only. 

A fire department investigator and a police supervisor arrived on scene shortly afterward. It was quickly determined that the fire was suspicious.

During the investigation, a neighbor approached police and offered footage from his outdoor security camera. The footage, which is being released to the public, shows a man or woman with a specific gait/posture walking away from the area during the time of the fire.

Police are hopeful that someone will recognize the suspicious person or their particularly way of walking, and that public input will lead to their identification.

Anyone with information on this incident, or who recognizes the individual in the surveillance video, is asked to contact the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.

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