Man Arrested for Home Fire Has Long Criminal History

A South End man facing charges after a fire at his Downing Street home and an alleged domestic dispute on Pembroke Road has a long history of criminal activity, including a recent arrest at a Concord bar.

Ronald K. Paige, 44, of Concord, was arrested at 9:12 p.m. on Sept. 22, and charged with criminal trespass and resisting arrest or detention.

According to a police arrest report, officers were called to Margaritas in Bicentennial Square for a report of a customer that refused to leave. The night manager of the restaurant alleged that Paige made inappropriate comments to the hostess, comments that made her uncomfortable. The hostess alleged that Paige told her that she would be going home with him to have dinner and “that she was going to like it,” according to the report.

The manager went to speak with Paige and he allegedly became very rude, telling her that his comments were “none of her business.” After being asked to leave, Paige refused, and returned to the bar where he allegedly was loud and used profanity.

The officer went to speak to Paige who allegedly refused to leave without a refund or being allowed to finish his drink. The officer suggested to Paige that he come back at another time and speak with the general manager of the restaurant. But Paige allegedly continued to argue and refused to leave.

The officer place Paige under arrest but he allegedly refused to put his hands behind is back and refused to move. Other officers attempted to take Paige into custody and he allegedly stiffened up and attempted to put his hands in his pocket, according to the report. He was later wrestled to the floor and cuffed.

As the officers were guiding Paige out of the bar, he alleged put his foot up on a doorstop, attempting to keep himself from being removed from the bar.

“As we exited the bar, the crowded applauded and hooted in what appeared to be thanks for removing Paige,” the reporting officer wrote.

Once outside, Paige no longer resisted, another officer noted, but threatened to sue the police. He was later released on $5,000 personal recognizance bail.

During the last two decades, Paige has had a number of run-ins with law enforcement including, most recently, being arrested on a number of charges on Oct. 10, related to alleged domestic assault incident and a fire at his home on 23 Downing St.

According to online records, Paige was convicted of simple assault and criminal trespassing in July 1993, as well as drug, aggravated felonious sexual assault and an attempted sexual assault in November 1998, on a victim under 13. Paige was also convicted of a violation of terms of probation and parole in 2000 and on a duty to report charge in May 2004.

Previously, Paige has lived in Boscawen, Epsom, and Penacook, according to online records.