Quinnipiac Students Charged With Arson: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — Two Quinnipiac students are accused of intentionally setting fires in three separate dorm bathrooms during the overnight hours on Friday, according to police. At about 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 17, the Hamden Police and Fire departments responded to Quinnipiac University on the report of criminal mischief, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said investigation revealed that between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., two students lit fires in three separate dormitory bathrooms.

“Several students, who witnessed the fires, reported them to a ‘Residential Life’ member,” Smith said in a press release. “The Residential Life member contacted the maintenance department. A student suffered a burn to his hand, while attempting to move a burning trash can.”

The Hamden Fire Marshal’s Office determined that multiple areas were torched. Fires were set in two trash cans, as well as several bathroom stalls, according to Smith. The Fire Marshal has determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Officer Craig Appleby, along with assistance from the Quinnipiac University Public Safety Department, determined that students Bernhard Wright and Carmelo Fazzolari lit the multiple fires, according to Smith. They were subsequently arrested and transported to Hamden Police Headquarters.

The fires occurred in “The Commons” dormitory, which houses 482 students.

Hamden Police arrested:

Bernhard Wright, 19, of Oslo, Norway and Carmelo Fazzolari 18, of Manalapan, New Jersey. They were both charged with third-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment, reckless burning and third-degree criminal mischief.

Wright and Fazzolari, who were both released after posting a $1,000 bond, are scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Nov. 30.