3 arrested in Woonsocket arson spree

WOONSOCKET, R.I.—A man, his 17-year-old son and another juvenile were charged Monday with setting several fires in Woonsocket.

Dante Harwood, 41, of Woonsocket, is accused of directing his son and another 17-year-old to set six fires in the city over more than two days.

Police and fire officials said five vacant houses and a vehicle were set on fire.

The fires started Friday and continued for more than 48 hours.

A firefighter was injured at one of the fires.

“This could have been a potentially tragic situation for this city. These individuals were on a path to light numerous fires. They had already done so. We have no information that would lead us to believe they intended to stop where they had,“ said state fire marshal John Chartier.

The city’s mayor credited cooperation between police, fire and the state fire marshal’s office with cracking the case.

“The 41-year-old seems like he didn’t have any good bearing on bringing up his children,“ said Woonsocket police Lt. Eugene Jalette.

Harwood was arraigned on arson and conspiracy charges. The juveniles are being held at the Training School.

Officials said they’ll be checking to see if some unexplained fires in Woonsocket over the past year are connected to the suspects.