Police Capture Three in Connection with Fire in West Roxbury

At about 11:08 PM, on Friday, March 08, 2013, officers from District E-5 (West Roxbury) responded to a radio call to for a fire at 1663 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury. Fire and EMS also responded.

On arrival, officers observed fire from a vacant building across from the above location. Firefighters told officers that the rear door of the building was open with fresh foot prints leading away from the building. The footprints led toward the Charles River, into the water and continued to the other side.

Assisted by State and Dedham Police, troopers observed three suspects fleeing the scene and getting out of the Charles River behind the building. Suspect #1 was located by Dedham Police Officers behind the Irish Ale House, wearing wet clothing. Suspect #1 was transported to Faulkner Hospital for further evaluation and released. Suspect #2 was located near the scene also wearing wet clothing. Suspect #2 was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital for further evaluation. Suspect #3 arrived on scene shortly thereafter wearing wet clothing and barefoot. Suspect #3 stated, all three had been inside the old McDonalds and accidentally started the fire. Suspect #3 was transported to Faulkner Hospital for further evaluation and released.

James McManus, 19, of West Roxbury was summons and charged with Arson, Other Commercial and Breaking and Entering a Building.
Denis Florez, 18, of Roslindale was arrested and charged with Arson, Other Commercial and Breaking and Entering a Building.
Mark Collins, 18, of West Roxbury was arrested and charged with Arson, Other Commercial and Breaking and Entering a Building.