Man Arrested in Connection With Two Car Fires

(Bridgeport, CT – Sept 24, 2013) – A city man faces charges that he set fire to two vehicles belonging to his estranged girlfriend and her sister.

Pedro Rodriguez, 37, of Park Street, was arrested early today on two counts each of reckless burning, first-degree criminal mischief and first-degree reckless endangerment.

His bond was set at $10,000.

Officer Michael Davila was dispatched to Livingston Place at 12:45 a.m. on a report of a car fire.  He spoke to the owner who stated that she believed the fire was set by Rodriguez, her sister’s estranged boyfriend. She stated that she and her sister were at their father’s place of business earlier in the night and that they had a dispute with Rodriguez. The dispute happened about 30 minutes before the fire department responded to the fire, the victim stated.

While police were on scene on Livingston Place, the victim received a call from her sister,  who stated that her car also was on fire. Police and the Fire Department responded to Brooks Street as well.

Based on information learned from the investigation, police responded to Rodriguez’s house on Park Street and observed the suspect arriving at his home.

He was detained. Fire investigators requested a State Police K-9 to assist and Rodriguez volunteered to allow the accelerant-sniffing dog to examine the clothing he wore that night. The dog signaled on two occasions while smelling the suspect’s jeans.

As a result of the investigation and positive indicators by the K-9, police arrested Rodriguez.