Peter Yankowski
Connecticut Post, Bridgeport
OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — A Torrington man suspected of carrying out Molotov cocktail attacks on multiple emergency medical services facilities Saturday has been arrested by Pennsylvania authorities.
Connecticut State Police said 37-year-old Richard White was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police and is in their custody.
Police in Old Saybrook said they have obtained a warrant for White’s arrest charging him with second-degree arson and second-degree burglary.
Police said White started a fire with a “Molotov cocktail” at the Hunters Ambulance Facility in Old Saybrook on Saturday afternoon.
“He is also connected to other arson fires started around that State this evening that targeted Emergency Medical Services Agencies,” according to a statement from Old Saybrook police posted to the town fire department’s Facebook page.
Police said the warrant allows White to be extradited to face charges in Connecticut. He is the sole suspect in the fire at the Old Saybrook EMS facility, according to police.
The State Office of Emergency Medical Services sent a notice to emergency medical services around the state earlier Saturday evening warning them to be on the lookout.
“At least four (4) facilities in different parts of the state have been affected,” the notice read. “All incidents are believed to be related and caused by the same individual.”
Old Saybrook police said White fled the state and was captured by Pennsylvania authorities a little after 10 p.m.
“This individual has targeted those who we count on to save lives” Old Saybrook Police Chief Michael said in a statement. “Our Officers have worked diligently all evening obtaining both search and arrest warrants in an effort to quickly stop these violent attacks against public safety and cause the suspect to be taken into custody.”
State police said its Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit is investigating two fires in Roxbury tied to the incidents.
One was reported at the Roxbury Fire Department on North Street. That call drew firefighters from surrounding towns, and was reported to involve a vehicle on fire inside the fire station, accoridng to initial dispatch reports.
“The Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crimes Squad was requested to assist. These fires are suspected to be related to similar incidents in Old Saybrook and Meriden this evening,” state police said.
State police are investigating whether another fire on Blackville Road in the town of Washington is related to those incidents. The local fire marshal has requested the State Police Fire and Explosive Investigation Unit in that investigation as well.
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