Police apprehended the suspect in Gloucester early Sunday.
NORTHAMPTON - A Hampshire County Grand Jury returned an indictment Tuesday charging a 51-year-old Southampton man with attempting to burn down an East Street home in that town last weekend.
Jonathan Francis White is expected to be arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court on Wednesday, according to a release issued by Mary Carey, communications director for the Northwestern District Attorney’s office.
An investigation by local police and fire officials and troopers from the state Fire Marshall’s office determined that a natural gas line had been left open inside the residence at 3 East Street which allowed gas to accumulate inside. An aerosol can of starting fluid had been left in a microwave oven programmed to start via a timer, according to the release.
White was apprehended in Gloucester over the weekend and pleaded not guilty in to attempted arson of a dwelling in Hampshire District Court on Monday. He is currently held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Russo.