Hotline Tips Led To Lawrence House Fire Arrest, Investigators Say
LAWRENCE (CBS) – A man has been arrested for allegedly setting a fire at a home in Lawrence last weekend.
Carlos Martinez, 43, of Lawence, is charged with starting the fire at the apartment house on Andover Street around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters put out the flames quickly and no one was hurt.
A man was spotted near the scene on surveillance video and investigators offered a $5,000 reward to generate leads in the case.
Martinez was arrested Tuesday night and charged with one count of attempting to burn a building, malicious destruction of property, breaking and entering in the night time to commit a felony, and larceny under $250.
"Helping us identify Mr. Martinez from videos was key to a quick arrest of this man who put many people in harm's way." Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque said in a statement Wednesday.
State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said tips to the arson hotline helped them solve the case.
There's no word yet on if anyone will be given the reward.
