Police: Man admits to setting home on fire

Norwich — Police responding to a fire early this morning at 44 Oneco St. were greeted by the man who admitted to setting the blaze.

Bernard L. Myers, 31, of 44 Oneco St., Apt. 2, was charged with first-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief.

Police said they responded to the fire at 1:11 a.m. Police said Myers was standing outside the home and told them he intentionally set the fire.

The multifamily home had two apartments, a fire official said.

Four other residents that were inside the home managed to get out safely.

Fire Battalion Chief Tracy Montoya said when fire crews got to the scene, they could see smoke coming from the rear side of the second floor.

When he went to the back of the home, he could see a glow coming from a second-floor bedroom, where the fire is believed to have started.

Montoya said there was heavy damage to the bedroom and smoke and heat damage to the rest of the structure.

The fire was under control in less than an hour, he added.

He said the American Red Cross assisted the displaced residents.

A police cruiser stood in the driveway of the home early this morning, prohibiting people from walking on the property. Windows on the second floor were smashed and a hole was cut in the roof.

Yellow tape was strewn across the front entrance of the home.

Land records show that Gloria Dugan owns the property.

Myers is being held on a $250,000 bond, pending his arraignment today at Norwich Superior Court.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call police at (860) 886-5561 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (860) 886-5561 extension 500.