Taunton Man Arrested for Intentionally Setting Five Fires

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh reports that the Taunton Police Department has today arrested and charged a man with intentionally setting five fires in the city last week within the span of approximately two hours.

Derek Lindsay, age 46, of Taunton was charged with three counts of arson of a dwelling; two counts of burning personal property; and breaking and entering a building in the nighttime for a felony.

Lindsay was arraigned today in Taunton District Court.

The fires were set between approximately 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, and 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6. The locations of the fires were: Silver City Gas, 69 Weir Street; Art's International Bakery II, 210 Weir Street; 220 Weir Street; 228 Weir Street; and 29 Leonard Court.

All five fires were able to be quickly knocked down and extinguished by the Taunton Fire Department. Due to fire damage to the electrical system at 210 Weir Street, four residents living in two apartments above the bakery were temporarily displaced. No injuries were reported.

Through the subsequent investigation by Taunton Police detectives, it was determined that Lindsay allegedly lit each of the five fires. An arrest warrant was obtained by Taunton Police detectives this morning and at approximately 1 p.m. today, Lindsay was located and placed under arrest near the corner of County and Hart Streets.

"This was great work by our Detective Unit to develop this individual as our suspect and place him under arrest, all within days of the fires," Chief Walsh said. "I want to commend our detectives for quickly solving this case and I would also like to thank the many members of our business community who willingly shared security surveillance footage that played a major part in our investigation."

The Taunton Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's Office assisted in the investigation. The incidents remain under active investigation by the Taunton Police Department.

--Taunton Police