PRESS RELEASE
CASE#: 21SJ002918
OFFICER: Corporal Steven Hartwell
CONTACT#: (802)748-2314
DATE/TIME: 08/20/2021 at 23:20 hours
LOCATION: St. Johnsbury
VIOLATION: 2nd Degree Arson (5 counts)
ACCUSED: James McChesney
AGE: 47
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury, VT.
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 08/20/2021, St. Johnsbury Police responded to assist the St. Johnsbury Fire Department for a possible arson on Portland Street. After arrival, 4 other fires were set from Portland Street to the Star Theater. The suspect was described as a short white male with no shirt, brandishing a large knife, and carrying a can. A short time later Corporal Steven Hartwell and Officer Davis Guyer located a male matching the description walking on Eastern Avenue. James McChesney was taken into custody and lodged at NERCF for lack of the bail imposed. When McChesney was arrested a can of commercial adhesive (marked flammable), a lighter and a hunting knife were taken off his person. The adhesive matched the substance located at the scenes of the fire. Fires were set on 3 buildings, including the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center. Tires of two vehicles were also set on fire. No significant damage was caused by the fires and this incident remains under investigation.
COURT ACTION: Yes
LODGED: No
COURT DATE: 08/23/2021 at 12:30 hours
COURT: CALEDONIA
MUG SHOT: Yes
BAIL: $5000.00
OFFICER: Corporal Steven Hartwell
CONTACT#: (802)748-2314
DATE/TIME: 08/20/2021 at 23:20 hours
LOCATION: St. Johnsbury
VIOLATION: 2nd Degree Arson (5 counts)
ACCUSED: James McChesney
AGE: 47
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: St. Johnsbury, VT.
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 08/20/2021, St. Johnsbury Police responded to assist the St. Johnsbury Fire Department for a possible arson on Portland Street. After arrival, 4 other fires were set from Portland Street to the Star Theater. The suspect was described as a short white male with no shirt, brandishing a large knife, and carrying a can. A short time later Corporal Steven Hartwell and Officer Davis Guyer located a male matching the description walking on Eastern Avenue. James McChesney was taken into custody and lodged at NERCF for lack of the bail imposed. When McChesney was arrested a can of commercial adhesive (marked flammable), a lighter and a hunting knife were taken off his person. The adhesive matched the substance located at the scenes of the fire. Fires were set on 3 buildings, including the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center. Tires of two vehicles were also set on fire. No significant damage was caused by the fires and this incident remains under investigation.
COURT ACTION: Yes
LODGED: No
COURT DATE: 08/23/2021 at 12:30 hours
COURT: CALEDONIA
MUG SHOT: Yes
BAIL: $5000.00
