NASHUA, NH — Police in Nashua are asking for the public's help in locating an arson and threat suspect after a fire on Barnsdale Road on Monday.
Derrick Couture, 39, is wanted on arson and criminal threatening warrants after a fire at the home.
Limited information has been released, but according to Sgt. John Cinelli, the public information officer and communications division supervisor for the Nashua Police Department, his whereabouts were "unknown at this time," but a vehicle he was believed to be driving was found in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts.
"Couture was last seen wearing an all-gray sweatsuit," Cinelli said.
Editor's note: This post was derived from information provided by the Nashua and Tyngsborough police departments and the Nashua Fire Department and does not constitute a conviction. This link explains how to request the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.
Anyone who knows where Couture is located or has information about the case should call police immediately at 603-589-1665, he said.
"Members of the public are urged to use caution and should not approach or attempt to make contact with Couture," Cinelli said.
According to Deputy Chief Nathan Armstrong of the Nashua Fire Department, fire rescue was sent to the home around 2:15 p.m.
The first arriving EMS confirmed smoke showing from the single-story home. Ladder 3 firefighters arrived, gained forced entry to the home, and searched for anyone inside while Engine 4 firefighters began attacking the fire through the front door.
"No occupants were home at the time of the fire," he said.
The fire was located in the walkout basement and extinguished. Extensive damage was reported throughout the home, a report said.
There were no injuries and the fire is still under investigation by the Nashua Fire Marshal's Office.
Chief Shaun Woods of the Tyngsborough Police Department issued a statement on Monday night confirming the department was searching for Couture after an arson investigation in Nashua.
Woods said the suspect was believed to be in their town and had traveled there after the incident. He warned Couture "may pose a danger to himself or others" and urged residents to call 911 if they saw him or had information about the case.
Woods said the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team had been activated to assist Nashua and Tyngsborough police.
Do you have a news tip? Email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube or Rumble channels. Patch in New Hampshire is now in 227 communities and neighborhoods. Also, follow Patch on Google Discover.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Nashua Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.