Man Charged After Setting Fire To His Own Shelton Office

On June 17, Shelton police say they served an arrest warrant on Allister James, 31 of Ansonia, who is accused of making up a story that he was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to set his office on fire.

But police say it was in fact James, who allegedly set the office on fire.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., on June 8 a fire was reported at Honey Cell at 600 Bridgeport Ave.

The Fire Department responded to Honey Cell and located fire damage to an office, however, the automatic fire suppression system was able to extinguish the fire, police said. There were several employees inside the business when the fire started.

Shortly after the fire was reported, a 911 call was received from a male stating that he was recently kidnapped, police said.

Police responded to the commuter lot on Bridgeport Ave. to speak with the alleged victim.

The male, Allister James, told police he was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to break into his work, Honey Cell, and spread gasoline in an office, police said.

While spreading gasoline one of the kidnappers then set the office on fire, police said. EMS was also on scene and transported James to the hospital for injuries sustained by the fire.

Shelton Detectives, the Fire Marshal, and the State Police Fire and Explosion Unit responded to conduct an investigation. Detectives were unable to validate James’ claim of being kidnapped, and based on their investigation, determined that he was responsible for the intentional fire, police said.

James was charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment, and first-degree criminal mischief. James was being held on a $250,000 bond.