A man was arrested after an altercation at a Webster, Massachusetts apartment complex which involved an attempted vehicular arson. According to a social media post by the Webster Police Department, the incident took place on January 14, at around 8:19 pm. The suspect was also reportedly carrying a taser and fled the scene on foot after lighting the fire.
Officers and detectives responded to the scene at the Hartley Terrace apartment complex and began a search operation, establishing a perimeter around the area. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect, which allowed officers to spot and detain two individuals shortly after. During the interaction, officers heard something metallic drop and discovered a knife and taser on the ground near one of the men, who was subsequently handcuffed and arrested.
The apprehended individual was identified as 34-year-old Jose Mandujano from Pleasant Street, Southbridge. Further investigation by the police suggested that the act was not random and the vehicle targeted with gasoline represented a specific intent. Mandujano's attempt to set it on fire failed, resulting instead in the gas can catching alight. The motives behind this "targeted event" remain under investigation.
Webster Police Department has charged Mr. Mandujano with multiple offenses, which include attempting to burn a motor vehicle, malicious destruction of property over $1200, and carrying a dangerous weapon. Mandujano was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest, in addition to the new charges. Despite these allegations, the department reminds the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
