Missing Wolcott Man Suspected of Pizzeria Arson Found

A 23-year-old Wolcott man believed to have gone into hiding in New York after learning he is suspected of setting fires at a pizza shop while angry about an order has been found, authorities said.

Scott Basile, 23, of Wolcott, had been missing since early January, just a couple days after he was last in touch with Waterbury police, ​who were investigating several reports of arson, attempted arson and criminal mischief at Fratelli’s Pizzeria at 689 Hill Street in the north end of Waterbury.

Basile was arrested by Fort Lee New Jersey Police on Saturday for hindering after giving false information about his identity. Wolcott Police removed Basile as a missing person.

Pizzeria staff said the fired caused around $25,000 worth of damage.

Waterbury deputy police chief Fernando Spagnolo said they identified Basile as a suspect and obtained a warrant charging him with criminal attempt at arson in the first degree and manufacturing of bombs in connection with an incident on Christmas Day.  

Francisco Avendano, the manager of Fratelli's Pizzeria, said something from the cooler must have gone in the pizza and that it was not intentional.

"I said that didn’t happen on purpose. I guess something got loose in my covers, my cooler covers something," Avendano said

Spagnolo said police had surveillance set up at the business because of all the incidents and Basile showed up on Christmas Day with ​what police believe is evidence he was about to cause damage.

It is not clear if Basile has an attorney. 

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