SOMERSET — Interim Chief Todd Costa reports that the Somerset Police Department arrested a man who allegedly set fire to a detached garage.
JASON GIBSON, AGE 31, whose last known address was in FALL RIVER, was charged with:
- Burning of a Building
- Breaking and Entering in the Daytime with Intent to Commit a Felony
- Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,500
The Somerset Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to 144 Fairview Ave. on Wednesday, July 28 at approximately 3:30 p.m. for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a working fire in a detached garage on the property. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, which resulted in moderate damage to both the structure and its contents. A firefighter suffered minor injuries.
It was quickly determined that the nature of the fire was suspicious. As a result, investigators from the Somerset Fire Department, Somerset Police Detective Unit, State Police Detectives assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to the scene. A specially trained State Police K-9 was used to aid in the investigation.
As a result of the investigation, GIBSON was identified as the suspect. He was arrested by Somerset Police officers on Wednesday, July 28.
GIBSON was arraigned in Fall River District Court on Thursday and is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. GIBSON is expected to be back in court on Aug. 5.
“I commend all of the officers and investigators involved in the investigation that led to this swift arrest,” Interim Chief Costa said. “I am thankful that the injuries to the firefighter are not serious and that there were no additional injuries to bystanders or first responders.”
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
###