The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that a fire discovered inside a Newark, Delaware townhouse on August 17, 2020 was arson, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the fire was discovered inside a townhouse under construction in the unit block of East Cleveland Avenue shortly after 3:00 am. The interior of the townhouse was damaged by what Chionchio described as a deliberate fire. The townhouse was unoccupied and no reported injuries. Chionchio said the damage was estimated at $5000.
Chionchio said State fire investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest captured on video surveillance in the area of East Cleveland Avenue on the morning of the fire. Anyone with information pertaining to this subject is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s – New Castle Division at (302) 323-5375 or email [email protected]