Man charged with arson following fire at halfway house in Montville
23 people were at risk of danger, state police say
MONTVILLE, Conn. (WFSB) - A man was arrested for starting a fire at a halfway house for ex-offenders in Montville.
According to state police Juan Betancourt, 42, of New Haven, started the fire inside the Cochegan House on Norwich New London Turnpike.
Firefighters responded around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday.
The person who called them reported that a person lit the fire in the building then fled. A description was provided.
At the time, troopers said 23 people were inside and at risk of danger.
Investigators said they identified the suspect as Betancourt.
State and Montville police found him walking northbound along Route 32, north of the scene.
Troopers said he was uncooperative and refused to obey their commands.
He was eventually arrested and charged with first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, interfering with an officer, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
Betancourt was held on a $250,000 bond and given a court date of Friday in Norwich.
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