HARTFORD – Police arrested a man on arson charges in connection to fire in a vacant building after being called to treat the suspect’s burns.
The fire destroyed a vacant building early Tuesday morning in the Frog Hollow section of Hartford at 159-161 Babcock Street.
Tuesday evening, police arrested Jaleel Torres, 18 of Hartford. He was charged with arson, criminal mischief, and interfering with police. After the fire, police located used surveillance video to identify a and also found a gas can and lighter. Police received a 9-1-1 call for medical help for a man whose son had burns to his hand. Officers responding to the call found the burn victim matched the description of the suspect in the arson.
The suspect ran from officers and was later found after a foot pursuit. The suspect was taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment and after he was released, was taken into custody.