Photo: Attleboro Police Department
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — An arrest has been made in connection to a series of “suspicious brush fires” in Attleboro, Mass.
The Attleboro Fire Department (AFD) responded to brush fires at the Attleboro Elks Lodge, Manchester Reservoir, Attleboro Wastewater Department and Attleboro Animal Shelter on Nov. 12. The next day, the AFD notified Attleboro Police that the brush fires “were believed to have been intentionally set.”
Using video surveillance, authorities identified 72-year-old Gerard Genest of Attleboro as the alleged suspect. He was arrested during a traffic stop Saturday evening. He was ordered held on bail after his arraignment Monday in Attleboro District Court. Genest's next court date is Dec. 5.
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In a statement, police say Genest is also under investigation for allegedly setting more fires between Nov. 12 and his arrest. Police believe he was responsible for a fire at the LaSalette Shrine on Saturday but did not provide any more details.
According to police, the investigation is ongoing.
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