Everett arson suspect arrested in Alabama

Earlier this month, a fire at an apartment complex in Everett displaced dozens of residents and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Authorities quickly determined that the fire was suspicious and began investigating. Now, a local man is in custody and facing allegations that he started the blaze.

Lawrence Stockton, 27, was arrested in Alabama on the evening of Oct. 10, Everett officials said in a release. He waived extradition and was returned to Massachusetts on Oct. 17.

Stockton was arraigned in Malden District Court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to one charge of arson and one charge of larceny from a building, according to court records. Stockton was ordered to be held on $10,000 cash bail and is set to return to court on Dec. 9.

“This arrest is the result of exceptional teamwork and determination by our investigators and partner agencies,” Everett Police Chief Paul Strong said in a statement. “Fires of this nature put countless lives at risk, and our priority from the very beginning was to identify and apprehend the person responsible. I commend everyone involved for their swift, coordinated efforts.”

The fire occurred at 25 Charlton St., a property known as The Batch Yard that houses more than 200 luxury apartments. Firefighters responded at about 1:45 a.m. on Oct. 5. They found heavy smoke and an active sprinkler on the building’s sixth floor.

“Dozens” of residents and their pets were in the building at the time of the fire, according to officials. Many are still displaced. The incident caused “extensive” water, fire, and smoke damage estimated to exceed $500,000.

At the time, firefighters said that they extinguished the fire quickly. State Police and the Everett Police Department launched an investigation, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information.

They identified Stockton as a person of interest and obtained search warrants for an apartment inside 25 Charlton St. and two vehicles. They also obtained an arrest warrant, but Stockton was nowhere to be found.

Police in Leeds, Alabama, arrested Stockton on Oct. 10. Officials did not provide details about how Stockton was identified and detained in Alabama. Stockton was labeled a “fugitive from justice” in an Alabama inmate listing.

“My heart goes out to the residents affected by this devastating fire,” Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said in a statement. “I’m deeply grateful to our first responders and investigators for their quick action and dedication to keeping our community safe.”

Want to leave a comment?

Create an Account Or sign in to your account

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

To comment, please verify your email address

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com