Police catch arsonist in the act
Published on October 3rd, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - Stoneham Police arrested a 64-year-old man with a history of mental problems in the act of setting a fire on Main Street last Wednesday.
Stoneham Police Detective George Sullivan was on a stakeout in the Nixon Lane area when he discovered Gary Tilden, 64, of 4 Nixon Lane, in Stoneham setting a fire behind 104 Main St., the exact site of two fires in the previous two weeks. There had been six fires in the general area during that time.
Tilden was charged with one count of burning a building. Stoneham Police and Fire investigators are looking into whether Tilden is responsible for any or all of the six recent fires in the Nixon Lane area.
“It’s been quiet,” said Deputy Fire Chief James Halpin of the days since Tilden’s arrest.
Fire Lt. Frank Gould said that investigators are still gathering evidence. Tilden had some Winston matchbooks and cardboard on his person at the time of the arrest.
“There could be more charges filed against him (Tilden),” Gould said.
Tilden has been jailed since the arrest. He had an Oct. 2 dangerousness hearing, but the Assistant District Attorney handling the case did not return a call before press time.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!