Arrest Made in Connection with Massive Thruway Authority Warehouse Fire

Richard T. Cass, an electrician with the state Thruway Authority, has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with Tuesday’s multi-alarm fire at the authority’s Mamaroneck warehouse, according to state police.

The 54-year-old from Pittsfield, Mass., was charged with Arson in the 4th Degree, a felony, for allegedly setting the fire that destroyed the salt shed.

State police said that Cass “was at the salt shed after business hours where he recklessly started a fire that ultimately destroyed the salt shed and several pieces of Thruway heavy equipment.” Further details were not disclosed.

The investigation into the incident involved not only state police but also the Thruway Authority, the Westchester County Cause and Origin Team, Town of Mamaroneck Police Department and numerous local area fire departments.

Cass was released on an appearance ticket and scheduled to return to the Town of Mamaroneck court on Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m.