More Arrests Expected In Shakespeare Theater Fire: Stratford PD

STRATFORD, CT — Two Stratford teens are accused of setting the fire that destroyed the Shakespeare Theater in Stratford and more arrests are expected, according to police. The teens are believed to be connected to a string of arson fires around the state, including in Milford, West Haven and Southbury, according to the Connecticut Post.

The Post reports the teens are students at Bunnell High School and were charged Monday in connection to the Shakespeare Theater fire. The teens are also believed to be connected to the recent fire involving the storage trailers at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, two in West Haven and one that heavily damaged the former Southbury Training School, according to the Post, citing police sources.

"After a lengthy investigation, the Stratford Police Department arrested two juveniles in connection with recent arson and burglary incidents within the town including the arson at Shakespeare Theater," Capt. Frank Eannotti said in a news release.

UPDATE: 3rd Teen Charged In Shakespeare Theater Fire

The juveniles were each charged with first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespass, first-degree reckless endangerment, conspiracy to commit third-degree arson, third-degree criminal trespass, third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief.

Both suspects were processed at the Stratford Police Department and turned over to court. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected, according to Eannotti.

The iconic Shakespeare Theater, which opened in 1955 and had been visited by famous actors and actresses including Katharine Hepburn, was destroyed in a fire in January. The fire began during the overnight hours on Jan. 13.

The theater largely stopped showing plays in the 1980s and there has been talk for decades about how to revitalize the historic property. The town launched the Shakespeare Property Task Force earlier this year. The task force, which includes 11 residents appointed by Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick, manages the community conversations for the future public use of the grounds that once held the historic theater.

Read more about the teen's possible connections to other fires in the state at the Connecticut Post here.

See also: Photos: American Shakespeare Theatre Ravaged By Stratford Fire