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Man arrested in Somerville fire that destroyed home under construction
The man, who is currently unhoused, was arrested for Wanton destruction of property and breaking and entering a building in the nighttime, police said.
A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with an August fire that destroyed a Somerville house and damaged nearby buildings, police announced Thursday.
John Grasso, who is currently unhoused, was arrested for Wanton destruction of property and breaking and entering a building in the nighttime, the Somerville Police Department said.
The Somerville Police and Fire Departments and Massachusetts State Fire Marshal arrested Grasso in a joint effort, police said.
Attorney information for Grasso was not publicly available Thursday evening.
The Aug. 20 fire broke out just before midnight at 75 Thurston St., a house that was under construction and vacant.
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Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen told Boston 25 News that the fire damaged at least two neighboring buildings and caused numerous residents to be displaced.
Somerville police on Aug. 25 requested neighbors to check if their security cameras captured any pedestrians walking through the neighborhood the night of the fire in an effort to identify the person of interest.
The incident remains under investigation, police said.
Fire Investigation Arrest pic.twitter.com/ahtKaSLumJ
— SomervillePolice (@SomervillePD) September 4, 2025
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