Somerville Police Arrest Man After Fire Destroys Under-Construction Home, Displaces Residents

John Grasso, a 35-year-old unhoused man, was arrested in connection with a significant fire that occurred on August 20-21 at a vacant home under construction on 75 Thurston Street in Somerville. The fire caused the home to collapse and spread flames to at least two neighboring houses, leading to evacuations and displacing multiple residents, though no injuries were reported. Authorities charged Grasso with wanton destruction of property and breaking and entering a building at nighttime, following a joint investigation by the Somerville Police Department, Fire Department, and Massachusetts State Fire Marshal. Prior to the arrest, police sought help from the community to identify a person of interest by reviewing security camera footage. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, with witnesses describing flames reaching 40 feet high. The incident remains under investigation as officials continue to assess the damage and circumstances surrounding the fire.