Reward Being Offered in Newington Arson Case

NEWINGTON, CT — A financial reward is being offered by the town of Newington to anyone who can provide information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons responsible for an arson fire that caused considerable damage in Mill Pond Park this summer.

On Aug. 25 around 3:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to the park at 123 Garfield Street in response to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, it was observed that the concession stand/bathroom facility south of the pool area was actively burning. Additionally, a second active fire was discovered to be burning within the Port O Let that was located near the north entrance of Mill Pond Park adjacent to Garfield Street, police said.

Newington Fire Department personnel responded and extinguished the fires. A notification was made to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and an arson investigator responded to the scene, police said.

Investigation determined that both fires were intentionally set and caused approximately $100,000 in property damage, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Brendan LaChance at (860) 594-6207 or blachance@newingtonct.gov.

Photo credit: Newington Fire Department