Man Sets His Apartment Building On Fire, Bites Officer: PD

BROCKTON, MA — A Brockton man was arrested after police said he tried to burn down his apartment building and bit a police officer.

Ryan Leaston, 29, was charged with attempted arson of a dwelling, assault and battery on a police officer and malicious destruction of property under $1,200.

On Sunday at 8:06 p.m., police were called after a report of someone breaking a window inside an apartment building on North Main Street. Police said they went to the apartment to investigate, but when officers knocked on the door, no one answered.

“Police went inside and found Leaston lying on the floor with smoke coming from the room,” said police spokesman Darren Duarte.

Police called the fire department and helped Leaston to his feet, but when leaving the apartment, Leaston bit the should of the officer escorting him, police said. According to police, firefighters determined Leaston intentionally set the fire by putting a cushion in the oven.

Leaston will be arraigned in Brockton District Court on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Brockton Police