Man Charged in 2011 Norwich Arson

Norwich police have arrested an arson suspect in a fire at a Norwich apartment building in 2011.

Marwan O. Chankar, 36, formerly of Norwich, is accused of burning a five-unit apartment building at 143-145 Rockwell Street on July 9, 2011, causing around $400,000 dollars in damage and displacing about 10 residents.

Five City of Norwich Fire Departments responded to the fire, which started just after 10 p.m. that Saturday night. It took crews more than two hours two battle and two Norwich fire fighters sustained minor injuries in the process.

Chankar has been charged with first-degree arson, first-degree burglary and first-degree criminal mischief.
 
Chankar, is a convicted felon and is currently serving a 58-month prison sentence within the State Department of Corrections, according to police.

He was held on an additional $250,000 bond and arraigned today. No additional arrests are anticipated.

Anyone with information about arson fires should call the Norwich Police Department’s Tip Line at 860-886-5561, extension 500, or the Connecticut Arson Hot Line at 800-84ARSON. 

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