'Potential Arson Incident' Leads To Arrest In Naugatuck: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Naugatuck man was arrested Monday after a brief standoff with officers following a potential arson incident at a home in town, according to police.

In a news release, police said they were called to the home around 6:30 p.m., where they found James Barchus, 57, of Naugatuck, holding a potential ignition source next to an actively leaking heating oil tank.

Officers evacuated other people and pets inside the home at the time. Barchus was arrested after a brief standoff with officers, according to police.

Barchus was admitted to an area hospital for evaluation. No injuries were reported, according to police.

The Naugatuck Fire Department mitigated the potential fire hazard of home heating oil, police said.

Barchus was charged with criminal attempt at second-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Barchus was held on a $500,000 bond pending arraignment, according to police.