Man Set Woman’s Car On Fire, Charged With Arson: Milford Police

MILFORD, CT — A man is accused of setting a woman’s car on fire Sunday in Milford, according to police.

The Milford police and fire departments responded to the 200 block of High Street on the report of a vehicle fire. The fire included the engine block, hood, front bumper, tires and the vehicle’s front fender, according to police.

The Milford Fire Department extinguished the fire and advised police that it appeared suspicious because it started outside the vehicle, officials said.

Police said video surveillance showed a man wearing a mask and carrying a water bottle approach the vehicle.

“The suspect pours a liquid on the front hood of the vehicle and then lights a match, causing a fire,” police wrote in a news release. “The fire is seen spreading across the front of the vehicle and the suspect then takes the plastic water bottle and walks away.”

The man was later identified as Gerol Francilme, 57, homeless of Milford, according to police.

Police said Francilme was found at the residence of a woman, who the vehicle belonged to and has an active order of protection against Francilme.

Francilme was arrested and charged with two counts of violation of a protective order and one count each of third-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief.

Francilme was held in lieu of a $250,000 bond and was arraigned at Milford Court on Monday.