16-Year-Old Charged in String of Enfield Arsons

Enfield police have arrested a teenager in connection with a series of arson fires that have incited fear among residents of the Hazardville section of town and caused a "direct threat to their personal safety," according to the police chief.

Police announced at a press conference Friday afternoon that the 16-year-old resident is suspected of setting multiple fires.

Although they declined to release the teen's name, court documents provided by the Journal Inquirer identify him as Davidson Izzo. His case has been transferred from juvenile to adult court.

Izzo was first arrested March 3, accused of setting fire to a vacant ranch-style house in late December. According to Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza, the teen was charged Thursday night in connection with the following additional arsons:

Sferrazza said police are still investigating fires at two vacant homes and two cars, but added that the department has "no information at this point that anybody else was involved" in the arsons.

The warrant for Izzo's arrest says "there are certain commonalities among the fires indicating that the fires were set by the same individual." All structure fires were set during the early morning hours at vacant buildings within about 400 yards of Izzo's home on Elm Street.

"People in Hazardville can sleep tonight without worrying their houses are going up in flames," Sferrazza reassured residents Friday.

He said he promised the community police would make an arrest.

"We have delivered on that promise," Sferrazza said.

Police wouldn't say how they caught Izzo, but the warrant for his arrest says surveillance cameras at 376 Elm Street captured his image.

His father, James Izzo, told NBC Connecticut Thursday night that his son is innocent and that the family is hiring an attorney.

"I've got proof that he wasn't even here for some of the things he's been accused for (sic)," James Izzo said. "Play it out in court and let the lawyer take care of everything."

Davidson Izzo is being held on a total of $1.75 million bond. Sferrazza said Davidson Izzo and one other person are also facing charges in connection with a 2010 house fire.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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