Arson Suspect Arrested In Early Morning Fire At Two-Family Home In Dorchester
BOSTON (CBS) -- A fire that damaged a home in the Dorchester neighborhood of the city early Saturday morning was arson and a suspect has been arrested, according to the Boston Fire Department and Boston Police.
At 1:37 a.m., fire crews were dispatched 8 Stonehurst St. in Dorchester for a building fire. When firefighters arrived, flames were showing from the second floor.
The blaze at the two-and-half story, two-family house was quickly extinguished, officials said. No injuries were reported.
While firefighters were searching for possible victims still trapped inside, officers observed a victim yelling and pointing at a black Ford Expedition SUV parked near 20 Stonehurst St. with a man in the driver's seat, the Boston Police said in a prepared statement Saturday night. The victim excitedly told officers, "He did it!"
Officers observed the suspect was sweating profusely as if he had been recently involved in some type of strenuous activity. The victim told officers the suspect was her daughter's father but they were no longer in a relationship. The victim said she received several text messages from the suspect attempting to get back together as a couple.
The victim told officers when she arrived home, she saw her front door open and the suspect coming out of the building. The victim told officers she then looked up and realized the front porch was on fire.
Officers also spoke with witnesses who saw the suspect running away from the direction of the fire.
Arson investigators found evidence lighter fluid was used as an accelerant to start the fire on the second floor front porch, according to the police prepared statement.
Troy Poindexter, 35, of Mattapan, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering residence (night) and arson. He faces arraignment at Dorchester District Court on Monday.
The fire displaced five adults and two children, and the Red Cross provided them with assistance.
The Boston Fire Department and the Boston Police Department are investigating the incident.
