Springfield Police Department has confirmed the arrest of 30-year-old Nicholas Denson on charges related to arson and attempted arson that took place last week. According to the Springfield Police Department, the incident began early in the morning on April 24 when officers and firefighters were called to a structure fire on Belmont Avenue. They successfully extinguished a fire at the rear porch of the property, where a gasoline can was discovered near the scene.
An arson K9 named Gregg was brought in to assist investigators from the Arson & Bomb squad, and the dog was able to detect accelerants on the porch. Later that day, before 4 p.m., the squad went to investigate another incident, this time involving an attempted arson on Buckingham Street. It's alleged that Denson tried to pour gasoline inside a victim’s apartment. Officers had to quickly react when Denson decided to flee out a back door, leading to a pursuit.
Denson was eventually located on State Street where he resisted arrest, going so far as to shove an officer before he could be taken into custody. Now facing multiple serious charges, including Arson of a Dwelling/House and Assault & Battery on a Police Officer, Denson's actions have been laid bare in the official police release. His list of charges also includes Breaking & Entering into a Building – Daytime for a Felony, Attempted Arson of a Dwelling/House, and Defacement of Property.
