Webster man indicted, arrested for allegedly setting Southbridge fire that displaced 12 families

A Webster man was arrested Thursday after being indicted for allegedly setting a fire that tore through two multi-family homes and displaced 12 families, according to officials.

Gerardo Cruz-Rivera, 34, was charged with two counts each of arson of a dwelling and malicious damage to a motor vehicle for a Nov. 13, 2024, fire on Union Street in Southbridge.

He was arraigned Friday in Worcester Superior Court, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr., Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson, Southbridge Fire Chief Paul Normandin, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

The early-morning blaze was reported just before 3:30 a.m. and prompted a response from more than a dozen regional fire departments, officials said. The families all escaped safely but lost their homes and possessions, and one Southbridge firefighter was taken to the hospital for an injury he suffered during the response.

Police and fire officials later investigated and determined that the fire had been intentionally set at the rear of 5-7 Union St. and spread from that area, according to officials. A Worcester County grand jury later indicted Cruz-Rivera after reviewing the evidence Sept. 22.

Cruz-Rivera was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing Oct. 1, according to officials.