Body Found During Fire Investigation In Middletown: Police

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Crews found a dead body while investigating the cause of a fire on Main Street Extension last month in Middletown, according to police. On April 5, a patrol officer saw heavy black smoke in the area of Main Street Extension and followed it to 311 Main St. Ext., according to Lt. Heather Desmond.

Passing motorists also called 911 to report smoke in the area. Crews from the South Fire District responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, according to Desmond. The next day, Middletown police officers who are trained in fire investigation assisted the South Fire District in determining the origin and cause of the fire, Desmond said.

“The building was heavily damaged from the fire with large amounts of debris,” Desmond wrote in a news release that was issued Monday night. “An excavator was used to assist in the removal of heavy debris. As layers of debris were removed, a body was located. Connecticut State Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner were called to assist with the investigation.”

Desmond said on April 3, two days before the fire, the owner of the building found the window of the front door broken. The owner searched the building and didn’t find anything suspicious. The day before the fire, April 4, the owner reported the damage to the police and provided pictures of the damage and the incident was documented, according to Desmond.

“The body has been identified and next of kin has been notified,” Desmond said. “Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased. Once the investigation is completed, we will release more information. This is an ongoing death investigation by South Fire District, the Middletown Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, who will continue to work together during this investigation.

“At this time there is no risk to the public and we feel this is an isolated incident.”