Press Release  Fire Investigation Leads to Arson Arrest

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine announced the arrest of a Holyoke man for allegedly burning a vehicle on Maple Street this weekend.

On Sunday, August 11, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the Holyoke Fire Department and Holyoke Police Department responded to the 200 block of Maple Street for a report of a car fire.  On arrival, they found a 2014 Hyundai Sonata fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire with no injuries reported.

Holyoke Police detectives, Holyoke Fire Department investigators, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office undertook efforts to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Based on an examination of the vehicle and surrounding area, witness interviews, and other evidence, they collectively determined that the fire had been intentionally set. Further investigation, including a canvas for video from public and private cameras in the area, provided additional evidence and footage of a suspect.

Holyoke Police detectives were able to identify this suspect as 40-year-old Jorge Ramos.

On the afternoon of August 13, Holyoke Police detectives and State Police fire investigators located on Maple Street. They placed him under arrest for arson of a motor vehicle and related offenses. He will be arraigned in Holyoke District Court. 

###