Teen, 18, Charged With Arson In Stolen Vehicle Fire: Meriden Police

MERIDEN, CT — An 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with an arson fire involving a stolen vehicle at Hubbard Park in Meriden last month, according to police.

Police responded to the 700 block of West Main Street around 1 a.m. on Aug. 10 on the report of car break-ins. While searching the area for potential suspects, police found three vehicles in Hubbard Park.

“Police proceeded to the three vehicles and two vehicles fled leaving one vehicle behind,” police wrote in a news release. “The vehicle that was left behind had a small fire emanating from the interior. The vehicle then quickly became engulfed in flames.”

Police said the vehicle was determined to have been stolen out of Wallingford.

Robert Barbera, 18, was identified as a suspect following an investigation, according to police.

Police said Barbera was also believed to be involved in a spree of robberies throughout the state at the time.

Barbera was arrested Wednesday on a warrant while he was incarcerated on charges stemming from a previous arrest, according to police.

Barbera was charged with second-degree arson, conspiracy to commit second-degree arson, larceny of a motor vehicle, first-degree criminal mischief, and tampering with physical evidence. He was being held in lieu of a $150,000 bond with a court date of Oct. 11, according to state judicial records.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Pellegrini at 203-630-6297.