Police: Man charged with arson, 4 officers injured following Woodbridge fire
Officials say Anthony Burke was charged with six counts of aggravated arson and six counts of aggravated assault. Multiple homes were damaged in the fire.
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Woodbridge police arrested a homeowner for arson after they say he burned down his own house and damaged others. The fire started early Thursday morning and spread to five other homes.
Woodbridge police believe 57-year-old Anthony Burke is responsible for starting a fire at his home at 86 McGuire St. Officers say when they found Burke and tried talking to him, a struggle ensued. They say four officers were injured and needed treatment.
Neighbors say Burke lived in the home for years.
"I've seen him outside. He's usually talking, laughing on the phone always so I would never expect something like that from him,” said neighbor Naomy Ignatius.
Police say Burke also needed medical attention because he appeared to have injured himself while allegedly setting the fire around 3 a.m.
The fire caused panic among residents who were rushed out of their homes to witness flames rip through their neighborhood.
“It was a fireball, the house completely engulfed in flames. Fire wouldn’t go out for hours. House next to them caught fire, too,” said neighbor Lucero Contreras.
No other injuries were reported. But families living adjacent to the burned-down home will now have to deal with the damage.
Burke is facing multiple charges, including six counts of aggravated arson and six counts of aggravated assault.
Woodbridge police declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation, but they say it will likely conclude soon.
