EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — More than two years after two simultaneous car fires broke out in East Providence, police said they’ve made an arrest in the case.
Police said they arrested Dakota Cronin, 24, of East Providence on a charge of first-degree arson and three charges of fourth-degree arson.
The fires were set at two neighboring houses on July 25, 2016 in the area of East Knowlton Street and Earle Avenue.
“Even though time passes, we don’t just forget about cases,” East Providence Lt. Raymond Blinn said. “It was very satisfying after two years, holding someone accountable for their actions.”
Police said the Earle Avenue fire started in a truck parked in a driveway, which then spread to a boat and a garage which was attached to a house.
While a resident was helping his neighbor at the first fire, he noticed his vehicle was also on fire.
Police said in March of this year, detectives were notified that a piece of evidence recovered at the scene belonged to Cronin. They said that information, coupled with information developed through a lengthy investigation resulted in an arrest warrant being signed for Cronin.
Blinn said when Cronin was arrested, he told officers he accidentally started the fires.
“You don’t just accidentally set fires to two different vehicles the same way,” Blinn said.
