For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 16, 2019

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

Arlington Police Investigating after Second Fire Occurs at Lake Street Home

ARLINGTON — Acting Chief of Police Julie Flaherty reports that the Arlington Police Department and Arlington Fire Department are working with state officials to investigate after a second suspicious outdoor fire was reported at a Lake Street home that had been the site of an outdoor fire on Saturday.

Police and fire units responded to 129 Lake St. at 9 p.m. A police officer on patrol in the area arrived within about 30 seconds of the initial call. The officer noticed light flames coming from one side of the house, confined to the wood shingles. The officer used a handheld fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

Chief Flaherty arrived on scene along with shift commander Lt. Brendan Kiernan, and a patrol supervisor. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was also requested to respond to the scene.

The two fires occurred at the home of a local rabbi who conducts religious services at the location.  The first fire occurred on Saturday May 11 at 11 p.m. Neither fire caused damage to the inside of the home.

The Arlington Police Department has placed a full-time detail officer on Lake Street.

“These are extremely concerning incidents in which an innocent family has had the safety and security of their home compromised by some else’s violent actions,” Chief Flaherty said. “The Arlington Police Department will use every resource at its disposal to find the facts and ensure that any suspect or suspects are brought to face justice.”

Police continue to search for a suspicious person seen leaving the area on Lake Street late Saturday evening. Surveillance footage was released from Saturday, however none is available from Thursday evening’s incident.

Anyone with information on these fires is urged to contact the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.

Click here to access the surveillance footage from the first fire.

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