Authorities say two individuals have been arrested on arson and attempted murder charges in connection with a fire earlier this month in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Holyoke police and Massachusetts State Police identified the suspects as Anthony Ortiz Correia, 40, and Naysha Merced Gonzalez, 42. Both are charged with burning a dwelling, attempted murder, and causing injury to a firefighter for allegedly setting a blaze on Nov. 4 at a multi-family building located at 268 Pine Street.
During their arrests on Tuesday, officers also recovered a handgun and cocaine, leading to additional charges that include unlawful possession of a firearm, drug trafficking, and related offenses.
Firefighters responded around 6 a.m. on Nov. 4 after reports of a fire in the back staircase. When crews arrived, heavy flames were already spreading from the rear of the building to all three floors. All six residents were able to escape unharmed, though one firefighter suffered an injury while battling the blaze.
An investigation involving Holyoke police, the Holyoke Fire Department, and state police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire had been intentionally set. Their findings led to identifying both suspects, and a warrant was issued and executed on Tuesday.
Ortiz Correia and Merced Gonzalez are expected to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court on Tuesday.
