PD: Norwich arsonists barely escaped with lives - WFSB 3 Connecticut
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Four people have been arrested and charged with setting fire to homes last spring in Norwich.
In April there was a fire at a home on Oak Street that forced 21 people to evacuate, and according to an affidavit, the group broke into the home, poured gas on a couch and barely made it out alive.
Laura Macdonald, of Norwich, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson and is being held in jail on a $600,000 bond.
She was arrested Tuesday night as well as three other men in connection with setting the home on fire on Oak Street, as well as setting another home on fire on Lake Street just days later.
Eyewitness News was at police headquarters in Norwich when police brought in 18-year-old Mathew Markham, who is also charged with arson along with Nicholas Fauquet, 18, and Jonathan Ortiz, 24.
"It seems to be almost like a thrill and boredom combined together to go into these vacant structures," said Sgt. Peter Camp.
According to the arrest warrant, Fausuet stated he and Markham started the fire at 11 Lake St. by using gas brought inside by Markham.
McDonald is known to the Department as well.
She's been charged and convicted in the Capehart Mill Fire in April 2010.
That fire took 17 departments and three days to fight.
Macdonald was already on probation at the time of her latest arson arrest.
Local business owners said repeat offenders should get the book.
"I think it's fabulous," said David Whitcome. "I think anyone that sets a fire should be arrested right on the spot."
Court officials said Macdonald has mental issues and the judge ordered a medical watch.
Mauguet, Markham and Ortiz are all being held in jail on a $600,000 bond and will appear in court on Thursday.
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