On Saturday August 24, 2014 at approximately 12:40am the Bridgewater Police and the Bridgewater Fire Departments responded to 14 Summer St. (“Our Place”, a drinking establishment) as a result of a 911 call reporting a small fire on the exterior of the building in the rear.
Upon arrival, responding officers reported that the fire appears to have been started by a disgruntled patron. The suspect, later identified as Russell Tatro of 885 Vernon St age 36, was at the establishment earlier in the night. He got into a verbal altercation with the owner of the bar, Joel Hess. As a result, the suspect was ejected from the establishment. Upon leaving, the suspect made threats towards the owner and the property.
A short time later, an employee of Our Place, reported smelling gasoline and saw a small fire on the exterior of the building at the rear. The Bridgewater Fire Department was notified and the fire was extinguished causing minor damage to the building. The building was occupied (there are several apartments on the top floors of the building) and still open for business at the time of the fire. The Massachusetts State Police accelerant K-9 was called and detected the use of an accelerant at the scene.
Bridgewater Police Detectives and Officers conducted a further investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the suspect. Bail was set at $15,000. The investigation continues.
Russell Tatro
885 Vernon St.
Bridgewater
Charged with: Arson of a Dwelling House
Lt Thomas J Schlatz Bridgewater Police Department