Police have taken a 14-year-old into custody in connection with two suspicious incidents involving a smashed glass aquarium and a fire that broke out moments later.
West Haven police responded to 375 Elm Street around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, where they said someone had destroyed the aquarium and glass was strewn about the road. The teen reportedly admitted to police that he was responsible.
While on scene, officers noticed smoke coming from behind a home at 122 Clark Street and arrived to find the garage engulfed in flames.
The fire was contained to the garage. Firefighters worked quickly to battle the flames to keep them from reaching railroad tracks nearby.
Trains were slowed for about an hour while crews worked to put out the fire.
When firefighters later entered the garage, one fell into a pit used to repair cars, injuring his shoulder. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK, according to Deputy Fire Chief Scott Schwartz.
Police are investigating to determine whether the incidents are connected.
According to West Haven Police Sgt. David Tammaro, the teen’s footprints were visible in the snow near the scene of the fire. The teen denied involvement and said he had taken cellphone video of the flames.
Firefighters said there was no power supply to the garage and it was not immediately clear what might have sparked the fire.
Authorities are investigating to determine the cause of the blaze. West Haven police detectives and state police K-9 units are assisting the investigation.
