Waterbury man charged with molotov cocktail offense cited in separate case

By Guy Page
Police are offering cash rewards for information as they continue to investigate two separate suspicious fires in the Sweet Road – Loomis Hill Road neighborhood of Waterbury, state police said yesterday.

In a separate press statement, the VSP on July 31 reported it had cited for violation of conditions of release a Waterbury man who had been cited earlier this summer for placing a Molotov cocktail at the home of a neighbor, who is also a victim of one of the recent fires.

State police received a report that John Neville, 51,  was in violation of his conditions of release. Subsequent investigation revealed numerous victims of various offenses, to include Violation of Conditions of Release, Violation of Abuse Prevention Order, Unlawful Mischief, and Noise in the Nighttime. Following a court appearance regarding an unrelated case, Neville was cited to appear to answer to the above charges and released.

On July 11, state police investigated an attempted arson at the home of Glenn Anderson, 50, at 1459 Sweet Road. Police say John Neville of Waterbury had entered onto the Anderson property, placed a Molotov cocktail outside the home, and attempted to ignite it but was unsuccessful. Glenn Andersen and Beck Andersen were present inside the home. A search warrant executed on Neville’s residence the next day found additional evidence.  Neville was cited to appear in court for attempted first-degree arson, reckless endangerment (two counts), and unlawful trespass. 

VSP is not claiming any link between Neville and two fires under investigation.

July 1, at about 6 AM the Waterbury Fire Department was notified of a camper on fire located at 1615 Sweet Rd. Anderson is the reported victim of this fire. The Waterbury Fire Department responded to the address and found the camper to be fully engulfed in flames. Fire suppression efforts were conducted but the camper was a total loss. The camper was unoccupied and there were no reported injuries. 

July 23, at about 2:06 AM the Waterbury Fire Department received a report of a structure fire owned by Carrie Marshia, 57, at 152 Loomis Hill Rd in Waterbury. The Waterbury Fire Department responded to the location and observed an 8 foot by 10 foot shed to be fully engulfed in flames. Fire suppression efforts were conducted. The shed was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

FEIU members responded to both Waterbury fires and conducted scene examinations. The cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to be the result of direct human involvement and the circumstances surrounding the fire are considered suspicious.

The FEIU is requesting the public’s assistance with information regarding either of these incidents.  If anyone has information they are asked to contact Detective Sgt. Clark Lombardi at the Derby Barracks at 334-8881, or Detective Sgt. Christopher Blais at the Royalton Barracks 234-9933.

People with information may also contact the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 800-32-ARSON. The Arson Tip Award Program is a separate entity from the state police, and through funding from insurance companies offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.