Meriden Man Faces Arson Charges Following 2022 Fire
A man is facing charges after an investigation linked him to a 2022 apartment fire that caused $600,000 in damages.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Property Crime
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Andrew Butkiewicz was arrested in Roswell, New Mexico, for an intentionally set fire that occurred on September 27, 2022, at a Sherman Avenue apartment building in Meriden. The blaze resulted in $600,000 in property damage.
Why it matters
The arrest stems from a criminal investigation that reportedly linked the suspect to the scene through cellphone records and surveillance footage. Authorities allege the act was motivated by a dispute over $160 worth of narcotics.
Andrew Butkiewicz faces charges of first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, and first-degree reckless endangerment with a bond set at $750,000. He is currently awaiting a pretrial hearing at state Superior Court in New Haven.
The players
Andrew Butkiewicz
He is the suspect arrested in Roswell, New Mexico, in connection with the 2022 Meriden apartment fire.
The details
Surveillance footage captured a man driving a white Hyundai Santa Fe and walking toward the apartment building steps moments before smoke appeared. Investigators determined the fire was an intentional act based on evidence presented in the warrant.
Timeline
The apartment fire occurred on September 27, 2022.
Andrew Butkiewicz was officially charged with the crimes on September 3, 2026.
A pretrial court hearing is scheduled for November 9, 2026.
Legal Context
The use of cell site location information to track suspects long after an incident is a common practice in modern arson investigations. This case highlights how digital breadcrumbs allow law enforcement to link suspects to crime scenes in complex property investigations.
The resolution of this case provides clarity to residents regarding the 2022 incident on Sherman Avenue. Authorities continue to monitor safety protocols in residential areas following investigations into intentional property damage.
The takeaway
This case underscores the longevity of criminal investigations where digital evidence can lead to an arrest years later. Property owners are encouraged to maintain active surveillance systems to assist local authorities in identifying suspects during incidents.
What happens next
Andrew Butkiewicz is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing at the state Superior Court in New Haven on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on safety and local legal updates, read the latest Property Crime reports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CT Insider.
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