Jan. 03--WEST HAVEN -- Police this week nabbed an alleged arsonist accused of setting multiple fires at the apartment complex where he lived.
Thomas Schall, 29, faces four separate cases related to setting ablaze a trash bin and trash chute, as well as removing a fire extinguisher from the hallway at Williston Apartments, 711 Savin Ave., according to Officer Bret Schneider.
Court records show Schall is charged with first-degree criminal mischief for an incident stemming from Nov. 13 in one case and for reckless burning on the same date in another. They also say Schall faces counts of third-degree arson and criminal mischief for a Nov. 19 crime in a third case and first-degree criminal mischief on Nov. 20 in the fourth.
Police had requested Schall be held in lieu of $70,000 bond, but court records show the bond was lowered to a combined total of $30,000.
The police department's detective division has been working in conjunction with the fire marshal's office on the case since the incidents occurred, and heard concerns from a resident at a community meeting in November. The Williston Apartments resident, who spoke up on behalf of elderly neighbors unable to attend the meeting, said people were worried Schall would set fires while the alleged arson was under investigation and also after his arrest if he was released.
Police Chief John Karajanis Jr. had confirmed at the meeting that authorities quickly identified a suspect and were preparing arrest warrants.
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