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Stratford Man Charged With Setting Fire To Same House Twice

STRATFORD, Conn. -- A Stratford man is facing arson charges in connection with two suspicious fires at a vacant multi-family home this week, police said.

A Stratford man is facing arson charges in connection with two suspicious fires at this vacant home at 30 Riverview Place this week.

A Stratford man is facing arson charges in connection with two suspicious fires at this vacant home at 30 Riverview Place this week.

Photo Credit: Stratford Fire Department via Facebook

Police accused Michael Sherwood, 51, of deliberately setting the fires at 30 Riverview Place “because the previous residents were required to move out when the new property owners took possession," police said.

Sherwood was charged with third-degree arson, third-degree criminal trespass, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree threatening and refusal to be fingerprinted, police said.

Firefighters were alerted to a blaze at the two-story house off Ferry Boulevard around 1:49 p.m. Wednesday, July 6.

The blaze was put out and the scene cleared about an hour later, fire officials said.

Damage was contained to the siding on the first- and second-floor’s porches. No injuries were reported.

Just about 13 hours later, firefighters were back at the same house battling a second blaze, fire officials said.

A sanitation worker out on his early morning route had spotted smoke and flames coming from the wooden structure around 2 a.m. and called 911, fire officials said.

The second fire was under control in about 25 minutes, fire officials said.

Electricity and gas at the house had been turned off after the first fire, officials said.

Police said Sherwood threatened officers during the interview and booking process.

He is to appear in Bridgeport Justice Court on Monday, July 18.

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